Retrospective study on the occurrence of primary incisor trauma in preschool children of a low-income area in Brazil

Aim The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of trauma in primary incisors in a sample of preschool Brazilian children living in a low-income area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods For the study 527 dental records of a Municipal Children's Hospital were evaluated, and the following related factors were recorded: gender, age, tooth affected, type and cause of trauma. Data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis (chi-square test). Results There were no significant differences in the prevalence of injuries among boys and girls. Children 10 to 24 months-old were the most affected (p <0.05). The maxillary central incisor was the most affected tooth (p <0.05), with predominance of lateral luxation and concussions (p> 0.05). The most common cause of trauma was associated with child's own-height fall (p <0.05). Conclusion Based on the results, it was concluded that the high incidence of incisor trauma in deciduous teeth should be viewed with concern, requiring the implementation of health policies aimed primarily at the prevention of such accidents.