A Review on Child Abuse in Pediatric Dentistry

Child abuse often interferes with the normal and healthy development of a child, bringing about various complications and problematic behaviors. Furthermore, such physical, mental abuse or neglect, and sexual abuse on a developing child may have serious effects even until after adolescence. The types of injuries caused by physical abuse vary, but some types of injuries are common. A great number of them can be detected during a routine dental examination because many of these injuries are present in the facial and dental region. Accordingly, in the case of abused children, it is important to find the signs of abuse through regular dental checkups, as many suffer injuries to the face, head and neck area including the oral and perioral area. As a pediatric dentist, it is the legal and social obligation to contribute to preventing and assisting the struggle against child abuse. The authors contemplate ways for all pediatric dental related personnel to find some clinical signs and symptoms of child abuse to help early detection, and to manage the situation properly.