Psychomotor Development and Traumatic Dental Injuries in Preschool.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Insufficient motor coordination can predispose children to falls and, consequently, the occurrence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). The present study investigated the association between psychomotor development and TDI in preschool children.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 189 children aged three to six years in Diamantina, Brazil. Psychomotor development was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-Second Edition (motor assessment) and a validated preschool version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (cognitive assessment). Parents/guardians answered a socioeconomic questionnaire. Anthropometric measures were determined using WHO growth curves to obtain the body mass index (BMI). Intraoral examinations were performed by a single examiner trained and calibrated for diagnosing TDI based on the criteria proposed by Andreasen, with radiographic evaluations conducted when necessary. Lip coverage, anterior open bite, arch shape, and overjet were also recorded. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and Poisson regression (bivariate and multivariate) analyses were performed (95% CI, p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The prevalence of TDI was 50.3%. Delayed motor development (PR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.25-2.22) and obesity (PR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.10-2.45) were significantly associated with TDI in the adjusted model.

CONCLUSION

Delayed motor development and obesity were associated with TDI in preschool children.