TRAUMATIC DENTAL INJURIES AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTOR AMONG SUDANESE SCHOOL CHILDREN

Aims: To determine the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in the anteriorsegment and associated risk factors for 9-12 years old school children in Wad-Madani locality, Al-Gazira state, Sudan. Material and method: A cross-sectional school base study for six hundred and eighty 9-12 years old school children (boys and girls) selected randomly from 25 basic schools. Andresen's criteria were used to record traumatic dental injuries by visual examination and no radiographs were taken. Associated risk factors were assessed (age, gender, over jet and lip Competency). Chi-square test was used to test association between the different variables. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 9.1%. Boys experienced more injuries than girls 1:2.2. Enamel fracture (63%) was most common types followed by enamel and dentine fracture (27%). The maxillary central incisor was the most common affected tooth (79.7%). Collisions were the main cause of trauma and home the most common place. Most of the traumatized teeth were not treated. The high percentage of traumatized teeth associated with increased over jet (P=0.000) and inadequate upper lip coverage (P=0.000). Conclusion: The present study revealed a relatively low prevalence of dental trauma, but still high when compared with literature. Significant association between dental trauma and associated factors (age, gender, overjet and lip Competency) were found. Educational programs should be initiated for the community regarding causes, prevention and treatment of traumatic dental injuries is mandatory to elaborate preventive strategies and efficient treatment plans.