Prevalence and factors associated with traumatic dental injuries to anterior teeth of children in the age group 12-15 years in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) affecting the anterior teeth among school children aged 12–15 years in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. A cluster sampling approach was employed, with each school considered as a cluster, and all students within the specified age range were clinically examined. TDI was evaluated using visual criteria, including tooth discoloration and displacement, as described by Andreasen et al. (2012). Among the 1,500 children examined, 25% (n = 375) had experienced TDI. Males accounted for 68% of affected children, which was approximately twice the proportion observed among females (32%). The maxillary central incisors were the most frequently affected teeth, accounting for 48% of all TDI cases. Falls were identified as the predominant cause of injury, contributing to 72% of reported incidents. Notably, 64% of children with TDI had received some form of treatment. These findings indicate that TDI represents a significant public health concern among school children in this population. The results highlight the importance of implementing targeted school-based oral health programmes focusing on injury prevention, early detection, and timely management of traumatic dental injuries.