MAIN ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES THAT MAY INDICATE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> The objectives of this study were to highlight the importance of the dental surgeon in the recognition of oral lesions that indicate child sexual abuse; to describe sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and their oral manifestations; to evidence the most appropriate diagnostic criteria and ethical-legal conduct; and to emphasize the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in this context. <h3>Study Design</h3> Bibliographic databases used were PubMed, SciELO, BVS-Saúde, and Google Scholar. Articles between 1977 and 2021 were selected in English and Portuguese. <h3>Results</h3> Despite not being a direct cause for this type of violence, social isolation caused a significant increase in the number of child sexual abuse cases in Brazil. In this context, the dentist plays an essential role because the orofacial region is affected by STD in 50% to 75% of cases. The incidence of sexual abuse in children and adolescents in Brazil is high, and many cases are underreported. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Attention to signs and symptoms, careful anamnesis, and detailed clinical and laboratory examinations are essential to determine the diagnosis. The dental surgeon has a legal obligation to notify suspected or confirmed cases of sexual abuse in Brazil. Health education activities, linking traditional practices, digital advances, and telehealth also contribute to making this problem less recurrent.