Knowledge of first aid measures of avulsion and replantation of teeth in Nigerian school children.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the present knowledge level of tooth avulsion in Nigerian school children. A 12-stemmed questionnaire was distributed to 495 Nigerian school children ( 228 boys, 267 girls) aged 7 � 15 year-old in Ife Central Local Government, Ile-Ife, Nigeria in February 2008 to score several areas of knowledge about tooth avulsion and replantation. The results of this study showed that 39.2% of the children had experienced dental trauma in the past, 62.8% had never received information on first-aid on dental trauma. More than half of the participants 51.5% reported that an avulsed tooth would be left on the ground, 38.2% would throw it on top of the roof and 17.8% would replant. Overall assessment of the children showed a low level of knowledge regarding tooth avulsion and replantation principle. Cultural belief of throwing a knock out or exfoliated tooth on the roof had influence on the children. There is need for comprehensive dental educational programmes and oral health promotions amongst Nigerian school children to improve their knowledge on tooth avulsion and replantation.