DENTAL INJURIES IN PRIMARY DENTITION

Background: Tooth-related trauma to preschool children can be difficult to manage because of the child's and parents' anxiety and the probability of injury to the developing permanent tooth buds. Causes for these injuries may differ in different countries and various age brackets. Organization of emergency dental care, prevention of dental trauma, reduce cost, and to create awareness are important factors needed to change epidemiologic data toward more promising figures in the future. The aim of work: This study aims to understand the incidence, the prevalence of dental trauma, the sequelae, treatment guidelines, and prevention of same. Materials and methods: we conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE from January 1985 to March 2017. The following search terms were used: dental trauma, crown fractures, treatment guideline, dental trauma sequelae, prevention Results: Dental injuries are common among preschool children, ranging from 30-40%, both in boys and girls. Much minor trauma goes unrecorded in that age, thereby underestimating the actual occurrence. The most commonly affected teeth are the central incisors. The various factors that lead to the high occurrence of trauma in the young age are increased overjet which leads to incomplete lip closure thus exposing the teeth to the more traumatic atmosphere. Falls in toddlers as soon as they start walking is another common factor that leads to dental injuries.