Traumatic Dental Injuries among Adolescents In Republic of Moldova.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the epidemiological data on dental injuries in permanent teeth among seventh and tenth grade schoolchildren in the Republic of Moldova. Study design: The pathfinder study model was chosen to evaluate the prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDI). Schoolchildren ages 12 and 15 years old were examined: In the capital city (four schools), in two other major cities-(two schools each city), and in four villages (one per each village) in accordance with the WHO's recommendations. Results: A total of 720 seventh and tenth grade schoolchildren were examined. The overall prevalence of TDI was found to be 16.4% (total of 118 children). The prevalence of TDI was greater in the older age cohort (p<0.05). Children from rural areas presented with greater prevalence of TDI compared to children who live in urban region (p<0.03). The maxillary central incisors were found to be the most common teeth affected by trauma constituting 57.1% of the evaluated TDI cases. Enamel fracture was the main type of TDI (83%). Conclusions: The TDI mainly involved enamel fractures. Urban schoolchildren show lower rates of TDI compared to rural schoolchildren.