ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL MALTREATMENT IN CHILDREN – DENTIST’S CONDUCT

Abstract

This study aims to assist the dentist to identify possible signs observed in the region of the head and neck in case of physical and sexual maltreatment against children, to present the epidemiological situation of this type of abuse in Brazil, and to guide the conduct of professionals when facing this sort of problem. The literature review demonstrated that many of the victims are aged less than five years old, and that girls are the most damaged. Moreover, in most cases the abuse is practiced by the father. The main damages that the dentist should observe in case of physical abuse are: contusions, burns, fractures and lacerations in the face and mucous membranes. In turn, in case of sexual abuse, infections are observed in the oral complex. The dentist is in a privileged position to detect cases of maltreatment, because the injuries usually affect the region of the face, head and neck. Thus, the dentist must acquire many data to perform a detailed diagnosis about the injuries; in case of abuse, the dentist should report it to the closest Tutelary Council.