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Traumatic dental injuries in children with special health care needs
Author(s) -
AlBatayneh Ola B.,
Arwa I.,
Majd O.,
H. Barry
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
dental traumatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1600-9657
pISSN - 1600-4469
DOI - 10.1111/edt.12334
Subject(s) - medicine , cerebral palsy , demographics , dental trauma , overjet , family medicine , special needs , pediatrics , environmental health , physical therapy , dentistry , demography , psychiatry , malocclusion , sociology
Background/Aim Children with special healthcare needs ( CSHCN ) are at an increased risk for traumatic dental injuries ( TDI ) due to unique predisposing factors; moreover, their access to dental care is compromised. In Jordan, there is a need to study TDI among CSHCN to highlight their dental care needs. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence, types, possible risk factors associated with TDI , and treatment‐seeking behavior in CSHCN in Jordan .Material and Methods Children (n=959) were examined in schools/centers for CSHCN , and compared to a healthy age‐ and gender‐matched control group. Data concerning demographics, types of trauma, risk factors associated with TDI , and treatment‐seeking behavior were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and bivariate analyzes. Significance level was set at P ≤.05. Results Prevalence of TDI in the study group (age, 11.76±4.2 years) and control group (age 11.70±4.2 years) was (83 of 959, 8.7%) and (42 of 1010, 4.1%), respectively. TDI prevalence was highest in children with multiple disabilities (14.0%), followed by intellectual disabilities (13.1%), and cerebral palsy (12.2%). The most common type of TDI was an uncomplicated crown fracture (91.0%). Increased overjet and incompetent lips were significant risk factors associated with TDI . Reasons for not seeking treatment in the study vs control group included parental attitude and lack of dental awareness (68.1% vs 60%), difficulties getting an appointment and availability of dental clinics willing to see CSHCN (36.2% vs 0%), P ≤.01, and financial reasons (31.9% vs 40%). Conclusions Prevalence of TDI was higher in CSHCN , and associated with increased overjet and incompetent lips. Uncomplicated crown fracture was the most common injury. In both groups, the main reason for not seeking treatment was lack of dental awareness among parents/caregivers; however, difficulties in getting an appointment and availability of dental clinics willing to see children were more prominent in the CSHCN group.