Problems presented by children attending emergency rooms of the dental clinics in Riyadh

This is a study of 1,203 Saudi children aged 2-14 years who presented for treatment at the emergency clinics of four of the main hospitals and three polyclinics in Riyadh during the year 1993 (1413-1414H). The main purpose of the study was to determine the pattern of the dental problems in these Saudi children. Diagnosis showed that 88.7% of the children had dental caries. Chronic dentai abscess was found in 17.1%, while acute periapical infections occurred in 8.0%. Gingivitis and trauma were found in 19.2% and 3.8%, respectively. Crowding occurred in 5.7% while ulcers, discoloured teeth, supernumeraries and hypodontia accounted for the rest. The pattern of treatment required was: restorative (83.7%), extractions (39.1 %), periodontal (18.2%); orthodontics (14.7%) and prosthetics (2.9%). Splinting due to trauma was needed in three of the children. The treatment needs highlight the importance of the need for an early attendance of a child at the dentist for appropriate preventive measures and early treatment when necessary. It is important for the Saudi Ministry of Health to step up the campaign for oral health education to the community, particularly for the expectant and young mothers. The emphasis should be on early visit of a child to the dentist (not later than 12 months), dietary counselling, oral hygiene instructions, the use of fluorides and regular dental check-up