Influence of clinical and socioeconomic indicators on dental trauma in preschool children

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of traumatic dental injury (TDI) in the primary dentition and investigate associations with clinical and socioeconomic indicators. A population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out with a randomly selected sample of 301 children aged one to five years. Data were collected through clinical oral examinations and interviews with parents/guardians during immunization campaigns. Statistical analysis involved Pearson’s Chi-squared test and Poisson regression with robust variance. The prevalence of TDI was 33.9%. TDI was more prevalent in children with overjet > 3 mm (p < 0.001) and those with inadequate lip coverage (p < 0.001). A statistically significant association was also found between TDI and household income (p = 0.024). According to the adjusted Poisson regression model, greater prevalence rates of TDI were found for children from families with a monthly income ≥ twice the Brazilian minimum monthly wage (PR 1.52; 95%CI 1.10-2.12), those with accentuated overjet (PR 1.53; 95%CI 1.05-2.22) and those with inadequate lip coverage (PR 2.00; 95%CI 1.41-2.84). The prevalence of TDI was high in the present study and was associated with a higher family income, accentuated overjet and inadequate lip coverage.