Oral injuries in children attending a hospital in Saudi Arabia

Aims: To determine the occurrence, causes, types and severity of oral trauma and the time elapsed until seeking dental care in children seen in a hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: Data included all cases of oro-facial trauma for children aged 17 years and younger who presented at the emergency and dental departments of the hospital during a 12-month period. Results: A number of 112 patients with traumatic oral injuries visited the hospital during this period. 79 were males and 33 were females. The highest frequency of injury was seen in 9–11 year old children. The most common cause of trauma was due to falls (68%). Most of the dental injuries occurred in the street (57%). The most common types of injury were luxation injuries and complicated crown fractures. Maxillary teeth were more affected than mandibular teeth. Maxillary central incisors were found to be the most affected teeth. 51 patients had soft tissue injuries and 13 patients had facial bone fractures. The largest number of injuries presented on the same day for treatment (70%) or 1 day after (36%). Conclusion: From the data this study population showed trends and comman cases of paediatric traumatic oral injuries senn in a major hospital in saudi Arabia.The study helpred us in improving awarness regarding the oral injuries and importance of minimizing its complication through educational programs. © 2009, Springer.