Assessing the Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries and its Impact on Self-esteem among Schoolchildren in a Village in Gurugram

Abstract

Background: Pitiful smile and oral health have always been bounded up to poor social relationships and permanent impairment that causes harm to the ability to learn and grow which may lead toward decreased self-esteem. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) and its impact on self-esteem among schoolchildren in a village of Gurugram. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among 10–17-year-old schoolchildren to assess the prevalence and impact of TDIs. Convenience sampling was used and 240 schoolchildren constituted the sample size. TDIs were recorded using Ellis classification, and self-esteem was recorded using Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. For statistical analysis, Chi-square test and t-test were used. The odds ratio was utilized to assess and compare the self-esteem according to high and low esteem among individuals with or without dental trauma. Results: Results of the present study showed that out of total 240 children, 54.2% were males and 45.8% were females. The overall prevalence of trauma was found to be 28.3%. Ellis class I was the most common type of injury in schoolchildren (70%). The most frequently traumatized teeth were maxillary incisors, among which maxillary central incisor was the most affected (60.4%). The difference between low and high self-esteem among individuals with or without dental trauma low esteem, high esteem was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: By improving oral health in schools may contribute considerably to the self-esteem of individuals in positive direction and help them in becoming a socially competent adult.