Oral and maxillofacial injuries in preschool children: a study in a hospital in southern Brazil

Oral and maxillofacial (OMF) injuries in children may lead to developmental and functional disorders. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the pattern of OMF injuries in preschool children admitted to the emergency department of a hospital in southern Brazil. Subjects and method: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,533 patients admitted from January to December 2011 to identify children aged 0 to 5 years with a diagnosis of OMF trauma. Data were collected on demographic, seasonal and clinical variables. Results: The sample consisted of 288 preschool children (aged 0-5 years) with OMF injuries. Of these, 61.1% were male and 53.2% were <3 years of age. Most children (84.8%) received first medical care from an dentist. Isolated facial injuries were the most common type of injury (85.1%) in this age group. Soft tissue injuries were the most common injury outcome (77.9%), occurring mainly in the nose and lips. Random accidents were the most common cause of OMF trauma (87.7%), and injuries due to falls occurred in 85.9% of these cases. The most common dental trauma was tooth displacement (69.6%). Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings indicate a higher prevalence of OMF injuries in soft tissues, especially in boys in the first three years of life. Falls were the leading cause of injury. Information related to OMF injuries in children are essential for the control of accidents and development of public health policies.

A Retrospective Study of Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries in an Emergency Hospital in Southern Brazil

Objective: To identify and analyze cases of OMF treated in an emergency hospital in southern Brazil. Material and Methods: The investigators conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study. The sample was composed of 1,533 patient medical records. Demographic, seasonal, and clinical variables were collected. Additionally, the medical records also included data on etiological factors, injury site, and tissues involved. A descriptive analysis was conducted based on 1,179 (76.9%) records of OMF injuries. Results: Most patients were male children and adolescents. Accidents (59.7%), such as falls, and interpersonal violence (18.7%), such as physical aggression, were the main etiological factors. Most injuries involved soft tissue (66.4%), especially in the lip region; whereas fractures affected the nasal bones. Transfers and hospitalizations accounted for 8.1% of clinical outcomes and dentists participated in the treatment of 85% of cases. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest a higher prevalence of OMF injuries in men, affecting young people more frequently and showing falls as the main etiological factor. Dentists participated in the majority of the medical care. Future studies will focus on determining risk groups, developing preventive programs, and improving health care services, with the participation of dentists in the multidisciplinary team.