Pattern of presentation of dental trauma at the paediatric dental clinic of Lagos state university teaching hospital, Lagos

Background: Dental trauma is an injury to the mouth, especially teeth and periodontium, caused by an external mechanical force. It is the effect of an accidental event that involves the hard and the supporting structures of a tooth. It is rampant in younger people accounting for 17% of injuries to the body in those below the age of 6years. 

Methodology: A retrospective study carried out amongst children who attended the Paediatric dental unit, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. The dental records of children who visited the clinic for a period of three years were retrieved. Those with dental trauma were noted among them. Some of the information extracted from the case notes include causes of dental trauma, types of dental trauma, the teeth affected and the *treatment rendered.

Results: One thousand, eight hundred and eleven children were seen during the period under review. The prevalence of trauma within that period was 11.4%. The major cause was falls (89.0%). The commonest type of dental trauma in this study involved enamel and dentin (31.4%). The most affected teeth were upper permanent central incisors (61.3%). Simple composite restoration was the commonest treatment carried out in 31.8%.

Conclusion: Parents, guardian and teachers are enjoined to ensure that their children do not fall while playing at home and in school. Proper supervision and preventive measures should be put in place during their play times to mitigate against injuries.