Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries to Anterior Teeth in 8–12-year-old Schoolchildren of Patiala City, Punjab, India: An Epidemiological Study

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) to anterior teeth in 8–12-year-old schoolchildren of Patiala city in North India and to study the risk factors related to dental trauma. Materials and methods: An epidemiological cross-sectional survey was conducted. The study consisted of 3,000 schoolchildren from various schools of Patiala city in North India. The body mass index was calculated. Lip competency, anterioposterior molar relationship, overjet, and overbite were examined. Dental injuries to anterior teeth were recorded according to the Ellis classification. Data were collected on a proforma. Results: The prevalence was found to be 11.4%. Maximum injuries occurred in the 11-year age group and the boys:girls ratio was 1.7:1. The home was the most common place with fall being the most common reason. The relationship between obesity and dental trauma was found to be statistically insignificant, whereas a statistically significant relationship was found between TDIs and incompetent lips, incisal overjet ≥5 mm, and Angle’s class II div I molar relation. The Ellis class I fracture was the most predominant type. Conclusion: The high prevalence of dental trauma stresses the need for the development of preventive strategies. There is a need for increased awareness among parents and children regarding dental trauma.