LAUSR

BACKGROUND Trends of paediatric emergency visits (ED) for dental conditions have been broadly discussed; however, little has been published in the Canadian context. AIM To describe the utilization of ED for dental conditions among children and to investigate demographic characteristics influencing its use. DESIGN A comprehensive review of records of all children aged 1 to 17 years who attended the ED service of a paediatric hospital in Montreal, Canada for dental conditions over a ten-year period (2004-2013) was completed. Information on the child's principal dental diagnosis, sociodemographic data and source of referral were obtained. RESULTS A total of 10,905 paediatric ED visits were seen during the study period. Among the children, 54.7% were male and the majority was younger than 6 years old. Dental caries constituted the most common reason for ED presentation comprising close to 43% of total visits for a dental complaint. Females, teenagers and self-referred children were more likely to experience ED visits due to non-traumatic dental conditions. CONCLUSIONS The utilization of ED for dental conditions has increased among preschool children in the last decade and was mostly due to caries-related dental problems. Effective preventive strategies are needed to improve the oral health condition of children.