Assessing the Knowledge of Parents and Guardians about Dental Trauma in Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study

Marcelo Fernandes de Castro; Nicole Caetano; Patrícia Rodrigues Moraes; Renata Cristiane da Silva Molina; Jasiel de Oliveira; Marcia H. Tanaka

Authors

Marcelo Fernandes de Castro
Nicole Caetano
Patrícia Rodrigues Moraes
Renata Cristiane da Silva Molina
Jasiel de Oliveira
Marcia H. Tanaka

Keywords:

Wounds and Injuries, Dentition, Tooth, Deciduous

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of parents or guardians about dental trauma in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: After signing the Free and Informed Consent, the children's parents answer the online questionnaires about dental trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Of a total of 89 questionnaires, only 84 were answered, and 75.3% experienced dentoalveolar trauma, of which 65.5% exhibited fractures. Most affected teeth (92.2%) were deciduous, and 7.8% were permanent. Furthermore, 53.73% of the trauma involved anterior teeth, only 7.46% affected posterior teeth, and 4.48% included anterior and posterior teeth. Most participants (74.2%) had never received information about dental trauma, and 25.8% had received prior instruction. Many (74%) did not take the affected tooth or fragment to the emergency room. Following the accidents, 38.2% feared brushing their children's teeth, and 28.1% did not. Conclusion: Dentoalveolar trauma in children is common and occurs more often at home or school. Dental trauma affected the deciduous teeth, especially the anterior teeth. Many parents lack knowledge on how to respond to and care for dental trauma in children. Providing informative guidance to parents and guardians is essential for preventing and managing childhood dental injuries, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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