The aim of the present study was to investigate predisposing factors for traumatic dental injury (TDI) in the primary dentition and seeking of dental care after the occurrence of TDI. A randomized population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 814 children aged 3 to 5 years enrolled at public and private preschools in the city of Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire on demographic data and the child's history of TDI. TDI was evaluated by clinical examinations performed by three previously calibrated dentists (Kappa: 0.85 to 0.90). Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression models were constructed for TDI and the parent-reported search for dental care (α=0.05). The prevalence of TDI was 34.6%. The most common type of TDI was enamel fracture (55.0%). The central incisors were the most frequently affected teeth (87.5%). Predictors for TDI in the primary dentition were household income >U$312.50 (PR: 1.355; 95% CI: 1.050-1.724) and overjet >2 mm (PR: 1.539; 95% CI: 1.219-1.942). The predictor for seeking dental care following TDI was parent's age >30 years (PR: 1.753; 95% CI: 1.039-2.960). Household income and overjet were associated with TDI. Among children having suffered TDI, parent's age is a crucial determinant for seeking dental care.
tooth injuries; risk factors; primary teeth; dental care; traumatic dental injuries