Tooth avulsion: Its perspective among athletically active children of Chandigarh, India

Background: The data available about the knowledge of tooth avulsion in Indian school children is minimal. There is a tremendous need to evaluate awareness regarding appropriate emergency measures to be followed after avulsion by them. Therefore, this study was planned. Aim: To assess the knowledge regarding tooth avulsion in athletically active high school children of Chandigarh. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 997 (750 boys, 247 girls) school players in the age range of 10–17 years. The participants were interviewed through a standardized questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test. Results: In cases of participants who knew about tooth avulsion (37.3%), only 38.4% of them were in the opinion to replant the tooth in its socket. More number of males would try to replant the avulsed tooth and in older age group. Almost half of the players would transport the avulsed tooth in paper, plastic or cotton, 28.6% would transport in hand and only 11.9% in tap water. Milk was considered the ideal storage medium by only 4.8% of the participants. Conclusion: More emphasis should be made on organizing educational campaigns which provide education to teachers, parents, and school children regarding appropriate emergency measures to be followed after tooth avulsion