Behavior of dentoalveolar traumas among children from "Ciro Frías" sports area in the municipality of Arroyo Naranjo

Abstract

Introduction: dentoalveolar traumas are one of the main causes of dental emergencies. Objective: characterize the behavior of dental traumas among children from "Ciro Frías" sports area. Methods: an cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted with children under 19 years of age from Ciro Frías sports area in the municipality of Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, from February 2011 to February 2012. The study universe was composed of 57 children. Data collection was based on a form developed by the authors and validated by an experts committee. Oral and facial examination was performed, and the information was recorded and processed using descriptive statistics. The variables studied were age, sex, sport, time of trauma, injured teeth, location in the arcade, type of dental trauma, etiology, visit to the dentist and treatment. Results: dental traumas predominated in the 12-14 age group (45,6 %) and the male sex (77,2 %). Most (61,4 %) occurred outside training sessions, and karate was the sport with most injured children (19,3 %). Upper central incisors were the most commonly affected teeth (62,9 %). Uncomplicated crown fracture was the most common injury (32,3 %). Sports practice was the main etiology of traumas (36,8 %). 68,4 % of the children injured did not receive any treatment. Conclusions: there was a predominance of the male sex, the 12-14 age group and occurrence outside training sessions. Karate was the sport with most children injured. Upper central incisors were the most commonly affected teeth. The most common traumas were uncomplicated fractures of the crown and the enamel infrastructure. The most common causes of dental traumas were sports practice and falls. There was a predominance of children not visiting the dentist and not receiving treatment. Key words: dental trauma, dentoalveolar trauma, children practicing sports.