Parental awareness of the emergency management of avulsed teeth in children

Abstract

Although public awareness campaigns on avulsed teeth have been mounted in the past, no study has investigated the knowledge parents possess of the protocol for the management of this dental emergency. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate, by means of a questionnaire, the parental awareness of the emergency management of avulsed teeth in children. Over 2000 parents were surveyed during a four-week period at 20 suburban vacation swimming centres. The results indicated that almost two-thirds of respondents would attempt replantation of an avulsed tooth but further questioning showed they did not know the correct procedures. Thirty-three per cent of respondents were unaware of any after-hours emergency dental services. Ninety-two per cent felt they should seek professional help urgently following an avulsion injury, but their knowledge of transport media for the tooth was poor. Only 5 per cent knew that milk was the medium of choice for both washing and transporting an avulsed tooth. Ninety per cent of parents surveyed had never received advice on what to do in the event of an accident where a permanent tooth was avulsed. This study revealed the need for educational campaigns aimed at parents to increase their knowledge of the emergency procedures required when the tooth is avulsed.