Prevalence of Anterior Traumatic Dental Injuries among Children Aged 12-15 Years in Dera Bassi Region, Punjab, India

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tooth trauma, may result in unnecessary pain and an increased burden in the society, apart from increased costs of dental treatment
AIM: To assess the prevalence of trauma of anterior teeth (both maxillary and mandibular) among school going children aged 12-15 years in Dera Bassi Region, Punjab, India
MATERIALS AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study employed a convenience sampling among 415 school-going children (both public and private schools) aged 12-15 years with the help of a pre-tested, pre-validated questionnaire and ADA type III examinations during the day using artificial light. The responses were recorded in a pre-structured proforma and relevant statistical tests were applied.
RESULT: Dental trauma was seen in 104(25.1%) anterior teeth, while the maximum number of fractures were seen in the maxillary teeth (53%), followed by maxillary laterals (30%) while the least affected teeth were the mandibular laterals (8%). No statistical differences were seen among both the genders upon comparing the location and type of tooth fracture.
CONCLUSION: Efforts should be made to educate the general population to get their tooth fracture treated as soon as possible and avoid further complications that arise with fractured teeth