Maternal perception of the occurrence of traumatic dental injuries in children: a cohort study of south Brazil

Background: Adolescent mothers may have an inaccurate perception and awareness of dental trauma occurrence in children, which may influence whether or not they seek treatment. Objective: This study evaluated maternal perception of traumatic dental injury (TDI) occurrence and related factors in children, 24-36 months of age, of adolescent mothers from a cohort in the city of Pelotas/RS, Brazil. Methods: Clinical data from 508 children were collected through physical examination; demographic variables (including socio-economic status) and maternal perception of trauma occurrence were collected through interviews with the children's mothers. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0. Results: The prevalence of dental trauma was 12.6% (64). A total of 291 (57.9%) mothers reported that their child had hit his or her teeth/mouth at least once. Only 69 (24.8%) mothers who perceived a TDI sought care. The maternal perception of dental trauma experienced by children showed no relationship with diagnosis on clinical examination. Enamel fracture was the most prevalent type of trauma (71.6%), and the maxillary central incisors were the teeth most affected. Conclusions: Owing to lack of awareness about TDI, the adolescent mothers in this study sample did not seek treatment for their children. Awareness campaigns for parents and caregivers about the possible consequences of TDI and the importance of follow up after dental trauma are required.