Traumatic injuries to the chin: a survey in a paediatric dental practice.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to provide data on the prevalence of clinical signs of traumatic injuries to the chin and of parental report of such injuries in a group of children visiting a private paediatric dental practice.

SAMPLE AND METHODS

The study group comprised 303 children (151 boys and 152 girls) whose dental age was within the limits in which all primary molars are present. The children visited the author's private practice for purposes other than chin injury and its dental implications. Data collected included age, gender, presence and location of fractures in primary molars, presence of a scar on the child's chin, and parental report of previous chin injuries.

RESULTS

Fractured primary molars were detected in 96 (31.7%) children. 79 (26%) children had a scar on the chin and previous chin injuries were reported for 110 (36.3%) children. Boys presented a higher prevalence of evidence of chin injuries than girls. The male/female ratios for fractured molars, scar on the chin and previous trauma were 1.5:1, 1.8:1 and 1.5:1 respectively. These differences were statistically significant (chi 2, P = 0.012, P = 0.002 and P = 0.008 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded from this survey that traumatic injuries to the chin are not infrequent and the incidence of injuries to the chin is higher in boys than in girls.