Epidemiology of traumatised primary teeth in the west-Mediterranean region of Turkey

AIM: To investigate the incidence, aetiological factors and results of dental trauma on primary dentition of the children referred to the Süleyman Demirel University, Department of Paedodontics in a two year period. DESIGN: A retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty four children (50 boys and 34 girls) with 159 affected deciduous teeth. RESULTS: The incidence of trauma was slightly higher in boys (59.5%). The age of the children ranged from 9 months to 6 years and the peak ages for trauma were 3 years and 5 years of age in respective genders. Falls were the most frequent cause of traumatic dental injuries (29.7%) and luxations were the most common type of trauma with 135 cases (84.9%). The most frequently performed treatment options were examination and follow up only (37.7%). Half of the cases (51.1%) were referred to our clinic in the first week after the trauma occurred. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that a preventive educational programme should be instituted, directed at parents and teachers at nursery schools, in order to inform them about what to do in dental trauma cases and the importance of immediate attendance for dental care.