Correlation between dental traumatic injuries and overjet among 11 to 17 years Indian girls with Angle's class I molar relation.

Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the correlation of traumatic dental injuries and overjet among school going girls of age 11 to 17 years in Pune, India.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 2045 school girls aged 11 to 17 years, attending public elementary schools in Pune, India. The traumatic dental injuries were assessed according to Ellis and Davey’s criteria. Occlusion was recorded according to Angle´s classification and overjet was measured using a WHO 621 probe. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney test.

Results: There was a significant (Z -2.785) association between increase in overjet and occurrence of trauma. Children with increased overjet were 3.09 times more likely to have dental injuries.

Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that a significant correlation exists between amount of overjet and prevalence of traumatic injuries among children. The percentage of trauma prevalence increases with the increase of overjet.

Clinical Significance: Traumatic dental injury is not a result of disease but a consequence of several factors that will accumulate throughout life if not properly treated. One of the most important factors significantly contributing to traumatic dental injuries is the anterior overjet. Hence, correction of increased anterior overjet may help in prevention of traumatic injuries.