A 10-year retrospective study of paediatric emergency department visits for dental conditions in Montreal, Canada

Background Trends of paediatric emergency visits (ED) for dental conditions have been broadly discussed; however, little has been published in the Canadian context. Aim To describe the utilization of ED for dental conditions among children and to investigate demographic characteristics influencing its use. Design A comprehensive review of records of all children aged 1-17 years who attended the ED service of a paediatric hospital in Montreal, Canada, for dental conditions over a 10-year period (2004-2013) was completed. Information on the child's principal dental diagnosis, sociodemographic data, and source of referral was obtained. Results A total of 10 905 paediatric ED visits were seen during the study period. Among the children, 54.7% were male and the majority was younger than 6 years old. Dental caries constituted the most common reason for ED presentation comprising close to 43% of total visits for a dental complaint. Females, teenagers, and self-referred children were more likely to experience ED visits due to non-traumatic dental conditions. Conclusions The utilization of ED for dental conditions has increased among pre-school children in the last decade and was mostly due to caries-related dental problems. Effective preventive strategies are needed to improve the oral health condition of children.