Traumatic dental injuries in primary school children of South India--a report from district-wide oral health survey.

AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental trauma among primary school children aged 6-11 years in Belgaum, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS A sample of 13,200 children from primary schools of Belgaum district was examined for dental trauma. WHO classification of dental trauma was used. RESULTS Total number of children suffering from dental trauma was found to be 1946 (14.74%). A significant gender influence on the occurrence of dental trauma was observed, with more boys (17.26%) experiencing dental trauma than girls (12.29%). More than 3 mm overjet and incompetent lips were also significantly associated with dental trauma in children. CONCLUSION The findings of this study show that dental trauma has a moderately high prevalence among Indian primary school children. Community, especially parents and school teachers, should be educated about prevention and early management of dental trauma in children.