EVALUATION OF OROFACIAL FEATURES IN THE VICTIMS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF 5–16-YEAR AGE CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: The oral cavity is taken as a vital and focal point in cases of abuse or physical assault owing to its role in
nutrition and communication. Dentists having appropriate training in the curriculum for child abuse can help and assist
physicians concerning dental and oral aspects of child neglect and abuse.
Aim: The present study aimed to assess the orofacial features in the victims of abuse and neglect of 5–16-year-old children.
Methods: The present study assessed 500 child subjects in the age range of 5 years and 16 years. All the included subjects
were suspected of the victims of child neglect or child abuse. In all the subjects, orofacial features were critically assessed
by a dentist well-trained in the curriculum.
Results: In the included 500 subjects, 30% (n=144) subjects presented with lacerations at various sites including the floor
of the mouth in 3.6% (n=18), palate in 6.4% (n=32), buccal mucosa in 10.4% (n=52), frenum in 3.2% (n=16), and lip in
5.2% (n=26) study subjects respectively. Features of avulsion were seen in 11.6% (n=58) of subjects. Deposits, missing
teeth, dental caries, and dentoalveolar fractures were seen in 100% (n=500), 7.6% (n=38), 41.6% (n=208), and 7.2% (n=36)
subjects respectively.
Conclusions: The present study concludes that it is vital to conduct a comprehensive perioral and intraoral assessment is
vital for the subjects victim of child neglect or child abuse as the oral cavity is a vital point for assessing the physical abuse
which can be associated with its vital role in nutrition and communication. Dentists and physicians should work in
collaboration for better detection, prevention, and treatment of such conditions.