Anterior tooth trauma among schoolchildren aged 10—19 years in Mewat district, India

Abstract

Background: Dental trauma is relatively common, with its incidence and prevalence varying not only within countries and states but also within different socioeconomic groups. A primary goal in oral health care is to prevent dental trauma. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anterior tooth trauma (ATT) and to analyze factors associated with ATT among schoolchildren aged 10—19 years in Mewat district, an underdeveloped and underprivileged area in Haryana state, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3043 schoolchildren residing in Mewat district. They were divided into the following age groups: 10—13, 14—16, and 17—19 years. Dental injuries to anterior teeth were recorded according to Ellis and Davey’s classification. Data were collected using a specifically designed questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows (version 20.0). Categorical variables are presented as proportions (%), and Pearson’s χ2 test was used to analyze these variables. Tests were conducted at the significance level of 5%. Results: Of the 3043 schoolchildren (males, n = 2178; females, n = 865) examined in the study, 362 schoolchildren had experienced dental trauma, giving a prevalence rate of 11.89%. Males were more prone to ATT (13.36%), and an Ellis Class I fracture was the most frequent type of ATT (78%). The most common causes of ATT were falls (49.44%), followed by road traffic accidents. In addition, children with partial lip coverage and an overjet of more than 3 mm had an increased risk of ATT. Conclusion: The prevalence of ATT among schoolchildren in Mewat district was 11.89%, and the major etiological factor was a fall. There is an increased need for awareness of dental trauma in school-aged children.