Knowledge on management of traumatic dental injuries among Saudi mothers.

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study investigated the knowledge of Saudi mothers regarding the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in children.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires was employed for mothers chosen by stratified-cluster random sampling technique from primary health care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over a period of 12 months (July 2016–June 2017). The questionnaire surveyed mothers’ background and knowledge on management of tooth fracture and avulsion using photographs of TDI cases.ResultsThe sample consisted of 3,367 Saudi mothers. More than half of the mothers (55.3%) gave the correct response, which was to send the child with tooth fracture immediately to the dentist (p<0.01). The majority of mothers (41.6%) gave the correct response for the immediate mode of action, which was to save the avulsed tooth in storage medium and send the child to the dentist immediately (p<0.001). However, they prioritized the immediate management of TDIs, and most reported saline as a suitable storage medium (p<0.001). The mothers expressed a positive interest in further education.ConclusionEducational programs and TDI protocols must be implemented to increase mothers’ awareness and improve the prognosis of children with TDIs.