Severe caries are a clue for child neglect: a case report

Journal of Medical Case Reports

Henk Sillevis Smitt¹  Nancy Mintjes²  Tjalling de Vries²  Reinanke Hovens³  Jenny de Leeuw⁴ 

[1] Department of Orofacial Surgery, Nij Smellinghe;Department of Paediatrics, Medical Centre Leeuwarden;Department of Special Care Dentistry, Medical Centre Leeuwarden;Public Health, Advice and Support Centre for Domestic Violence and Child Abuse (Veilig Thuis);

关键词: Dental caries;    Child abuse and neglect;    Dental care;    Parenting;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13256-018-1639-6

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Child abuse and neglect have strong negative effects on the well-being of children, not only during childhood but also later in life. Therefore, early recognition is important. Case presentation We describe a 4-year-old Caucasian boy who had severe dental caries. This was a result of insufficient dental care: he refused to brush his teeth and drank sweetened drinks. We considered this dental neglect to be a manifestation of child neglect and social services were consequently called in to help the family. Conclusions There is a strong association between child abuse and neglect and dental caries. Abused children often have severe dental caries and in children who had dental caries, child abuse and neglect is often established. An important factor is insufficient parenting; therefore, we believe that severe dental caries is an important indicator for child abuse and neglect.

【 授权许可】

Unknown