Does dental trauma in the primary dentition increases the likelihood of trauma in the permanent dentition? A longitudinal study

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this longitudinal study was to assess the likelihood of children suffering traumatic dental injuries in the permanent dentition subsequent to traumatic dental injuries in their primary dentition.

Materials and methods

A longitudinal study was conducted in Pelotas, Brazil. Children were assessed in 2007, when they were aged 2–5 years, and in 2013, at which time, they were aged 8–11 years. Data collection included interviews with parents and clinical oral examination for dental trauma and occlusion. The classification proposed by Andreasen and Andreasen was used, and crown discoloration and fistula were added to this criterion in order to assess pulp involvement. Child/parent report was used to aid in the diagnosis of both treated and untreated injuries. As a limitation, no radiographs were taken. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 110 children were included. Dental trauma frequency in the primary dentition was 38.2% and that in the permanent dentition was 30.9%. In the multivariate analyses, children with dental trauma in the primary dentition showed a higher likelihood of suffering dental trauma in the permanent dentition [odds ratio (OR) 2.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–8.91, P = 0.05].

Conclusions

Individuals with previous trauma in the primary dentition are prone to further trauma in the permanent dentition. The history of dental trauma may be used to predict dental trauma in the permanent dentition and to establish preventive measures.

Clinical relevance

Behavioral characteristics may be related to the risk of a child suffering injuries. The results suggested that some children are accident-prone.

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