Brazilian Oral Research (Jun 2014)

Prediction factors for failure to seek treatment following traumatic dental injuries to primary teeth

  • Ramon Targino Firmino,
  • Maria Betânia Lins Dantas Siqueira,
  • Raquel Gonçalves Vieira-Andrade,
  • Genara Brum Gomes,
  • Carolina Castro Martins,
  • Saul Martins Paiva,
  • Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107BOR-2014.vol28.0005
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 1
pp. 01 – 07

Abstract

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The objective of this study was to evaluate prediction factors for failure to seek treatment following a traumatic dental injury (TDI) to primary teeth among preschool children in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 277 children 3 to 5 years of age, with TDI, enrolled in public and private preschools. Parents filled out a form addressing demographic data and whether or not they had sought treatment. Clinical examinations were performed by three dentists who had undergone a calibration exercise (Kappa: 0.85 to 0.90) for the evaluation of TDI. Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression models were constructed (α = 5%). Enamel fracture was the most prevalent type of TDI (48.7%) and the upper central incisors were the most affected teeth (88.4%). The frequency of seeking dental treatment was low (9.7%). The following variables were associated with failure to seek treatment following TDI: a household income greater than one minimum wage (PR = 1.170; 95%CI 1.018-1.341), parents/caregivers’ perception of a child’s oral health as poor (PR = 1.100; 95%CI 1.026-1.176), and the non-perception of TDI by parents/caregivers (PR = 1.250; 95%CI 1.142-1.360). In the present study, the frequency of seeking treatment following TDI was low, and parents/caregivers with a higher income, a poor perception of their child’s oral health and a lack of awareness regarding the trauma were more likely to fail to seek treatment following TDI to primary teeth.

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