Influence of Physical Activity on the Occurrence of Traumatic Dental Injuries in Primary Dentition: A Cohort Study in Southern Brazil

Objective: To verify the association between physical activity (PA) and prevalence and severity of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in 4-year-old children. Methods: A cohort study was conducted involving all children born in 2015 in Pelotas, Brazil. During the 4-year follow-up period, mothers answered a questionnaire regarding their child's health and demographic characteristics. All children underwent a clinical examination to assess their oral health, including TDIs, classified as per the United Kingdom Children's Dental Health Survey criteria and Glendor's classification for injury severity. PA levels were measured using an accelerometer and maternal perceptions. Results: The prevalence of TDI was 14.5% and 85.5% for complicated and uncomplicated TDIs, respectively. The cohort comprised 50.5% boys and 49.5% girls, with a higher TDI prevalence observed in boys (22.4%) than in girls (17.9%) (p = 0.001). Furthermore, boys exhibited more severe TDIs (p < 0.001). No association was observed between PA and the prevalence of TDIs in the overall cohort. However, a trend toward an increase in the severity of complicated trauma (TDI) with higher levels of PA was observed. In particular, children in the higher tertile had a higher proportion of severe TDIs compared to those in the lower PA tertile (relative risk [RR]: 2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-4.36). Moreover, children whose mothers considered them more active than their counterparts were more likely to have complicated TDIs (RR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.06-2.20). Conclusion: We found an association between the severity of TDIs and increased PA. To avoid TDIs, a safer environment for PA should be provided.