In pediatric trauma, which teeth are most commonly injured?

In pediatric trauma, which teeth are most commonly injured?

• A. Mandibular posterior
• B. Maxillary anterior
• C. Mandibular anterior
• D. Maxillary molars

Answer: (A)

The most vulnerable teeth in pediatric trauma are the upper front teeth, especially the maxillary central incisors, because they protrude and are the first point of contact in most blows to the face. Falls and sports commonly deliver an anterior impact to the mouth, and the maxillary front teeth sit in the most exposed position, making them the ones most often injured. The back teeth, whether on the upper or lower jaw, are more protected by the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw, so injuries to those areas are less frequent. In short, upper front teeth are the ones you’ll see injured most often in children.

The most vulnerable teeth in pediatric trauma are the upper front teeth, especially the maxillary central incisors, because they protrude and are the first point of contact in most blows to the face. Falls and sports commonly deliver an anterior impact to the mouth, and the maxillary front teeth sit in the most exposed position, making them the ones most often injured. The back teeth, whether on the upper or lower jaw, are more protected by the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw, so injuries to those areas are less frequent. In short, upper front teeth are the ones you’ll see injured most often in children.