Traumatismo dentário em estudantes e profissionais de educação física: resultados preliminares

Abstract

An increasing prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) has been observed in the last decades, and many studies have been developed in order to identify high-risk populations. In this sense, Physical Education professionals can constitute a risk group for TDI due to routine physical activity. The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to evaluate the prevalence, extent and severity of TDI among undergraduate students and professionals of Physical Education in the city of Santa Maria, Southern Brazil. Students of two universities as well as professionals working in health clubs in the city were invited to participate. Data collection included the application of a questionnaire and clinical examination in the clinics of the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Santa Maria by a single calibrated examiner. The presence of TDI, treated TDI, and TDI with treatment needs was recorded. To date, 50 individuals have been included in the study. The results showed a prevalence of TDI of 52% (n=26), being 32% (n=16) mild trauma and 20% (n=10) severe trauma. Most patients with TDI had one or two fractured teeth. Upper central incisors were the most commonly affected teeth. Eight individuals presented treated TDI whereas 4 individuals presented TDI in need of treatment. These results indicate a likely risk population; however, a greater sample size is required to draw such conclusion.