Prevalence of primary tooth traumatic injuries among children in a large industrial centre of Russian Federation.

BACKGROUND

Recently, the number of children seeking dental care for traumatic tooth injuries has increased substantially.

AIM

This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of primary tooth traumatic injuries (PTTI) in the paediatric populace of Ekaterinburg, a large industrial centre of the Russian Federation.

DESIGN

Following ethical approval, an epidemiological investigation of primary dentition was conducted, evaluating 1,149 children aged 6-72 months (males 586/1,149, 51%; females 563/1,149, 49%). The average age of subjects overall was 43.9 ± 17.7 months (males 45.1 ± 17.9 months; females 42.6 ± 17.4 months).

RESULTS

The prevalence of PTTI among paediatric residents of this region was 9.75%, with uncomplicated crown fracture (36.9%) as the chief primary dental injury. Dental visits attributable to PTTI were most frequent in the age group of 25-36 months, which clearly constitutes the period of greatest vulnerability.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that PTTI is a critical issue in children, requiring programmes that address preventive dental care and adhere to established medical treatment standards.