Prevalence and associated factors of traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian schoolchildren

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence of traumatic dental injury (TDI) and associated factors in the permanent incisors of Brazilian schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 1,612 male and female children aged 11 to 14 attending public and private elementary schools in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select the children. Oral examinations were performed by calibrated examiners for the diagnosis of TDI (criteria proposed by Andreasen) and dental caries [Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT)]. The Social Vulnerability Index was used for socioeconomic classification. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and the Poisson regression model. Results: The prevalence of TDI was 17.1%. Falls (43.6%) were the most common cause of TDI, mainly at home (41.8%). Boys were more affected than girls. There was no statistically significant association between TDI and socioeconomic status. The adjusted results revealed that TDI was significantly associated with DMFT [1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06 to 1.16] and overjet (1.15, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.31). Conclusions: TDI was associated with dental caries and overjet and was not influenced by socioeconomic status. © 2010 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.