Epidemiology of Dental Trauma

Peaks in the incidence of dental trauma occur between the ages of 2 and 4 and again at 8 to 10 years. Trauma of anterior permanent teeth can have lifelong consequences affecting aesthetics, self-image, and costly long-term dental care.

Preschoolers

• At least 30% of preschoolers have had a dental injury of some kind.
• Falls are the most common source of oral injury.

School-aged children

• Twenty-five percent of 12-year-olds have injured permanent teeth.
• Anterior maxillary incisors are most often injured.
• Bikes, falls, sports injuries, automobile accidents and violence are common causes of dental trauma.