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Publications

Journal Article Ahead of print

PubMed: 42760413 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-026-01284-x

Parents' knowledge of emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth in Sweden: a cross-sectional questionnaire study.

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent

Authors: A Malak, R Issa, A Wikström, N Tewari, G Tsilingaridis

Affiliations

  • Division of Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Department of Endodontics, Public Dental Health, Eastmaninstitutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Division of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Centre for Dental Education and Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
  • Division of Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Center of Pediatric Oral Health Research, Stockholm, Sweden.

Abstract

PURPOSE

Traumatic dental injuries are common in children and adolescents, and timely emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth is critical for prognosis. Parents are often first responders, yet evidence regarding parental knowledge in Sweden is limited. This study assessed knowledge of the emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth in a Swedish cohort of parents and explored factors associated with knowledge level.

METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted amongst parents attending a tertiary paediatric dental clinic in Stockholm, Sweden. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, prior exposure to dental-trauma information, and knowledge of emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth. A composite knowledge score was calculated and analysed descriptively and using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 168 parents participated. Overall, 54.2% had insufficient knowledge, whilst 45.8% had sufficient knowledge using the analytical threshold of ≥ 50% correct responses. Only 44.6% knew that replantation of a permanent tooth is possible, 28.5% selected rinsing under running water as the correct cleaning method, and 18.3% selected milk as an appropriate storage medium. Prior exposure to information was associated with sufficient knowledge. In multivariable analysis, university education remained associated with sufficient knowledge.

CONCLUSION

This Swedish cohort of parents showed limited knowledge of emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth, particularly regarding replantation, cleaning, extra-oral time, and storage media. Educational initiatives through dental clinics and digital platforms may improve parental preparedness, but broader population-based studies are needed.

MeSH

Tooth, Emergencies, Dental Clinics, Replantation, Wounds And Injuries