Prevalence and Associated Factors of Traumatic Dental Injuries Among 5- to 16-year-old Schoolchildren in Bangalore City, India

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of traumatic dental injury (TDI) among 5- to 16-year-old schoolchildren in Bangalore City, India. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a probabilistic sample of 2,140 schoolchildren was administered a questionnaire and examined intraorally to record TDI using the Ellis classification. Descriptive statistics and regression models were used for analysis of the data. Results: The prevalence of TDI among 5- to 16-year-old schoolchildren in Bangalore City was 9.7%. Boys (12.2%) were affected more than girls (7.1%). About 85% of the injuries occurred in maxillary anterior teeth and 89% in the permanent dentition with fractures in enamel as the most common type of TDI. Unknown causes accounted for 53.6% and falls (36.7%) were the most common reported cause. Only 3.9% of children with TDI had sought treatment. Children from public schools aged less than 10 years and boys had significantly higher TDIs as compared to private schoolchildren, those over 10 years of age and girls. Conclusion: The present study revealed a moderate prevalence of dental trauma. An emergent problem such as TDI should be met by public health policies that emphasise the prevention of TDI based on the knowledge of the risk factors. Children, parents and schoolteachers should be educated about the prevention and timely management of dental trauma in children. Keywords: children, prevalence, traumatic dental injury (TDI)