Parental Awareness of Traumatic Dental Injuries in Children: Emergency Management, Post-Operative Care and Prevention

Creative Commons License

Bulut G. F., Kılınç G., Mutlu B.

18th Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, Liverpool, England, 1 - 04 July 2026, pp.1, (Summary Text)

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: Liverpool
  • Country: England
  • Page Numbers: pp.1
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate parental awareness regarding traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in children, focusing on emergency management, post-operative care and preventive practices.

Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included parents of children aged 2–14 years attending their first visit to a university paediatric dentistry clinic. The questionnaire assessed parental awareness across sections related to general TDI knowledge, emergency management, post-operative care and prevention. Each domain and total awareness scores were calculated. Associations between awareness scores and sociodemographic variables were statistically analyzed. P-values<0.05 were considered significant.

Results: A total of 394 parents participated (62.4% mothers and 37.6% fathers; mean age 39.5 years). The mean total awareness score was 23.07±7.88 (max:48). Higher educational level was significantly associated with increased awareness scores across all domains (p<0.001). Parents with university or post-graduate education demonstrated the highest total scores. Working parents and those with fewer children showed significantly higher awareness (p<0.001). A previous history of dental trauma was associated with higher general knowledge scores (p<0.001). Although 78.7% of parents correctly identified appropriate emergency management for avulsed teeth, only 30.9% were aware of correct storage media. Post-operative care awareness was limited, particularly regarding restriction of physical activity following trauma (14.7%).

Conclusion: Strengthening parental understanding of the full continuum of TDI management is essential to support timely intervention and favorable long-term outcomes in children.