Retrospective evaluation of tooth injuries and associated factors at a hospital emergency ward

BACKGROUND: The aim of study was to determine the occurrence of tooth injuries and associated factors among patients treated at a hospital emergency ward. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving the analysis of 790 patient charts. The independent variables were gender, place of residence and type of accident. The dependent variable was tooth injury (fractures, concussion, luxation and avulsion). Statistical analysis involved the chi-square test, Poisson analysis and logistic regression. Explanatory variables with a p-value < 0.20 in the bivariate analysis were incorporated into the multivariate model. RESULTS: A total of 681 (86.2 %) patients had tooth injury, among whom 159 (20.1 %) had tooth fractures. Tooth concussion was associated with residence in urban areas (PR = 1.635; 95 % CI: 1.199-2.230), the male gender (PR = 1.673; 95 % CI: 1.225-2.285), violence (PR = 1.940; 95 % CI: 1.263-2.982) and sports (PR = 1.863; 95 % CI: 1.287-2.696). The prevalence rate of tooth fracture was higher among individuals having suffered a motorcycle (PR = 1.597; 95 % CI: 1.295-1.968) or bicycle accident (PR = 1.484; 95 % CI: 1.245-1.769). Victims of bicycle accidents had a 42.6-fold greater chance of suffering luxation (95 % CI: 20.917-86.808) and a threefold greater chance of suffering avulsion (95 % CI: 1.620-5.848). Victims of motorcycle accidents had a 2.96-fold greater chance of suffering avulsion (95 % CI: 1.471-5.937). CONCLUSIONS: In the study, concussion was the most frequent type of tooth injury. Motorcycle and bicycle accidents were associated with tooth fractures, luxation and avulsion, whereas sports and violence were associated with dental concussion. The findings on tooth injuries can contribute to public health policies regarding the prevention and health promotion measures.