Manifestações orofaciais da violência infantil

Abstract

Violence against children and adolescents is one of the major public health problems worldwide that threatens mental well-being and causes irreparable harm. In Brazil, 107.572 cases of child abuse were registered in 2011. Child abuse is any act or omission that damages the physical and psychological well-being, freedom and right for the full development of children. The objective of this study is to review the literature about the main orofacial lesions related to child violence; the knowledge of the dentist surgeon about signs of violence and how the notification should be. The most common orofacial manifestations were: hematoma, abrasions or lacerations of the lip, tongue, lip and lingual braces, oral mucosa, teeth, gingiva, persistent trauma scars, bruises, bite marks, and scratches. The dental surgeons presented difficulties in the identification and conduct of child maltreatment, however, it is also the responsibility of the dental surgeon to notify the competent organs. It was possible to conclude that most injuries resulting from child maltreatment involve the orofacial region: head, face, mouth and neck, that dental surgeons present difficulties in identifying and conducting to violence, but it is extremely important that the professional knows how to make the notification to the competent authorities.