Traumatized anterior teeth in Southwest coastal population of India

Background: The objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence of anterior teeth fracture in the Southwest coastal population and to study association with predisposing factors such as molar relationship, overjet, and variables such as age, gender, location, occupation, and etiology. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of anterior tooth fracture due to trauma in 1000 patients from the Southwest coastal population. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 1000 patients reporting for treatment to A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences and rural satellite centers from June to December 2016. Patients who had anterior tooth fracture were questioned with a standard questionnaire from Oral Health Survey WHO format 2013. Results were evaluated using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Results: Out of the 1000 patients examined, traumatized anterior teeth were seen in 89 (8.9%) cases. The prevalence of trauma to the anterior teeth was more in the male population (51.7%). Traumatized anterior teeth were frequent in the age group of 20-30 years (33.5%). Fall and automobile accidents were the most common causes of trauma to the anterior teeth (3.6%). The maxillary right (4.4%) and the maxillary left (4.2%) central incisors were most susceptible to trauma. 3.8% of teeth showed enamel fracture only, and 2.1% showed enamel and dentine fracture and 1.6% cases showed total loss of tooth due to trauma. Maximum number of patients with anterior tooth trauma was seen to have Class I malocclusion (88.8%), and an overjet in the range of 2-4 mm (66.3%). Conclusion: Anterior tooth trauma in the Southwest coastal population was seen to be highly prevalent in the age group of 20-30 years and predominantly in males with automobile accidents being the most common cause. The maxillary anterior teeth were seen to be frequently affected. Enamel fractures were common, but the turn up for treatment posttrauma was negligible. Clinical Significance: This study correlates the presence of anterior teeth trauma to various behavioral, physical, and dental attributes. Majority of the cases were reported in rural areas, and the masses were ignorant about the consequences of trauma to anterior teeth and the treatment options available.