Dental trauma occurrence and occlusal characteristics in Brazilian preschool children

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between dental trauma and occlusal traits in the primary dentition. Methods: Five hundred and one 24- to 71-month-old children, attending both private and public schools in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were included. Clinical examinations were performed at each school. Occurrence of dental trauma was assessed using the Andreasen and Andreasen classification. Occlusal characteristics used in this study were: overjet; open bite; overbite; anterior crossbite; crowding and rotated teeth occurrence; and canine class. The occlusion type was classified according to the World Health Organization. A questionnaire was sent to parents to obtain socioeconomic data. Descriptive statistics were used, as well as chi-square tests (for heterogeneity or linear trend; P ≤ .05) and Fisher's exact test. Results: The prevalence of dental trauma was 40% (95% confidence interval=35-44). Of all children examined, 20% showed normal occlusion, 42% mild malocclusion, and 38% moderate/severe malocclusion. Dental trauma was associated with overjet ≥ 3 mm (P=.02), overbite ≥ 3 mm (P=.01), and canine class (P=.04). Children bearing mild or moderate/severe malocclusion presented greater dental trauma (P<.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasize the importance of preventing dental trauma, especially in children presenting increased overjet, overbite, or canine Class II.