Case-control study on factors associated with crown fractures in the primary dentition

Patrícia Corrêa-Faria,Saul Martins Paiva,Suzane Paixão-Gonçalves,Isabela Almeida Pordeus,Maria Letícia Ramos-Jorge

doi:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2015.vol29.0079

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to identify the factors associated with dental trauma in preschool children. This case-control study was nested in a population-based cross-sectional study involving a random sample of 301 children one to five years of age in the city of Diamantina, Brazil. The case group was made up of children with at least one fractured deciduous tooth, and the control group was made up of children with no deciduous tooth fracture. The two groups were matched for age in a proportion of one control for every case. The dependent variable was “dental trauma,” diagnosed according to the criteria proposed by Andreasen and Andreasen. The independent variables were overjet, measured and considered accentuated when surpassing 3 mm, and lip coverage, classified as adequate or inadequate. Clinical oral examinations were performed by calibrated dentists. The parents provided information on the socioeconomic indicators. Statistical analysis involved the McNemar test and logistic regression. Each group (case and control) was composed of 92 children. In the bivariate analysis, traumatic dental injury (TDI) was associated with overjet > 3 mm (p = 0.001), inadequate lip coverage (p < 0.001), mother's schooling (p = 0.028) and household income (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, only inadequate lip coverage was associated with TDI (OR: 5.35; 95% CI: 1.37-20.85). In conclusion, the case group children had a 5.3 - fold more likely chance of presenting inadequate lip coverage, compared with the control children.

Highlights

Traumatic dental injury (TDI) is a common occurrence in the primary dentition
Children with TDI in the primary dentition may complain of pain, emotional discomfort stemming from altered facial esthetics and problems concerning development of the occlusion and permanent teeth.[7,8]
We found that children in the case group were more likely to be exposed to the risk factor of inadequate lip coverage

Summary

Introduction

Traumatic dental injury (TDI) is a common occurrence in the primary dentition. Epidemiological studies carried out in different countries reveal a variety of prevalence rates, such as 6.2% among Indian children[1] and 25.6% among Irish children.[2] In Brazil, the prevalence rates of TDI in the primary dentition are reported to range from 9.4%3 to 62.0%4 These high frequencies of occurrence and the impact on both the child and family make TDI a public health concern.[5,6] children with TDI in the primary dentition may complain of pain, emotional discomfort stemming from altered facial esthetics and problems concerning development of the occlusion and permanent teeth.[7,8].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion