Prevalence and risk factors of traumatic dental injuries to permanent anterior teeth among 8–12 years old school children in Egypt

Abstract Background Despite such a high prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), very less attention has been paid to TDIs, its etiology and prevention. Aim: The present study was carried out to identify prevalence of TDIs to permanent anterior teeth in children aged from 8 to 12 years old in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of six months, 7983 children of age 8–12 years were examined from 38 primary schools which were selected by multistage random sampling. Results The prevalence of TDIs was 14.6% (1166 children); boys (17%) experienced more injuries than girls (12.3%). TDIs were more common in ≥12 years old (19.5%). Single tooth fracture (75%), maxillary central incisors (82%) and enamel fracture (80.1%) were the most common types of TDIs. Falls were the main cause (38.3%). School (46.1%) & home (30.2%) were the most common places. Only 5.7% (67) were treated. TDIs were more common in children with combinations of Angle's class II (16.6%), overjet >4 mm (23%) and in-adequate lip coverage (23%). Public schools showed higher trauma prevalence than private schools (15.9% and 12.3% respectively). There was a significant association between TDIs and "type of occlusion, overjet, lip coverage, crossbite, gender, age & school type. No association was found between the presence of "openbite, district & residence" and TDIs. Conclusion The results showed the need of preventive measures against falls at school and home and methods of providing 1st aid in TDIs.