Pattern and Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries in Rural Children of Central Maharashtra – A Retrospective Observational Study
Sourabh Ramesh Joshi, Sneh Thacker, Viddyasagar Mopagar, Chaitra Patil, Dhananjay Gandage, Shekhar GuptaIntroduction:
Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a significant public health concern in children, especially in rural areas with limited dental infrastructure. Maxillary central incisors are particularly vulnerable due to their anterior position. If untreated, TDIs may lead to complications affecting both oral and psychosocial health.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern and prevalence of TDIs in children aged 4–15 years in rural Central Maharashtra and to analyze etiology, dentition type, trauma classification, and treatment approaches.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted by analyzing 220 pediatric patient records from January 2018 to December 2024 at a tertiary rural dental center. Data on age, gender, etiology, dentition, number and type of teeth involved, classification of trauma, and treatment were collected. Statistical analysis used SPSS v23.0 and Pearson’s Chi-square test (
Results:
Of the 220 cases, 54.5% were boys. The mean age was 10.48 ± 2.3 years, with the 10–12-year age group most affected. Permanent dentition (61.5%) was more commonly involved than primary or mixed. Maxillary central incisors were most frequently injured. Falls were the leading cause (55.4%), followed by road accidents and sports injuries. Class IV injuries predominated in permanent teeth, while Class IX was common in primary dentition. Root canal treatment was frequently performed in permanent teeth; extractions were more common in primary teeth (
Conclusion:
This study underscores the need for early intervention, preventive education, and dentition-specific protocols to manage TDIs in rural pediatric populations.