Parental knowledge, attitude and practice regarding paediatric dental trauma. A systematic review

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ABSTRACT

Aim

Dental trauma is one of the major oral health problems faced during the developmental ages. Most of the traumatic events occur at home; therefore, parents are frequently required to provide appropriate first aid measures. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence parents have regarding the topic of dental trauma, with a focus on their level of knowledge, attitude, and practice.

Methods

The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The research question was structured using the PICO framework (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023397318).

Results

Thirty-one studies have been selected. All selected reports have provided data about parents’ knowledge of traumatic dental injuries in paediatric age. In general, all the studies reported a lack of awareness, knowledge and skills in managing dental trauma. Regarding attitude, a high percentage of parents acknowledged that they did not have the necessary information to handle an event correctly. Regarding practice, parents would be more concerned about a trauma to a permanent tooth rather than to a deciduous tooth.

Conclusion

Parents’ knowledge about dental trauma management is quite limited, and this has a negative impact on the long-term prognosis of traumatised teeth. It is crucial to increase parents’ knowledge and awareness about the importance of dental traumas in paediatric age.

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