Dental neglect: systematic review
Child Protection Evidence is a resource for clinicians across the UK and internationally to inform clinical practice, child protection procedures and professional and expert opinion in the legal system.
Summary
Varying definitions of dental neglect exist and broadly encompass “the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic oral health needs, which is likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s oral or general health and development”. This systematic review evaluates the scientific literature on abusive and non-abusive dental neglect in children published up until May 2024 and reflects the findings of eligible studies. The review aims to answer two clinical questions:
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- Which socio-behavioural characteristics are associated with dental neglect in children?
- What are the oro-dental characteristics associated with dental neglect in children?
Eight new studies have been included in the 2024 update addressing risk factors, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, and recognition of dental neglect.
Key findings:
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- Failure to attend appointments when the child is experiencing pain or discomfort, or failure to adhere to a recommended treatment plan should prompt a full investigation of the explanation for this
- A child who is experiencing pain, discomfort, social embarrassment or medical complications as a consequence of caries should be attending for appropriate treatment
- Dental neglect can have a significant impact on children’s oral health and manifests in several key oral characteristics, such as increased tooth decay, higher rate of tooth injuries, signs of inadequate oral hygiene and increased prevalence of dental pain: Children with dental neglect have a significantly higher experience of dental pain
| Disclaimer: This is a summary of the systematic review findings from our most recent literature search. If you have a specific clinical case, we strongly recommend you read all of the relevant references as cited and look for additional material published outside our search dates.
Original reviews and content © Cardiff University, funded by NSPCC Published by RCPCH November 2024 While the format of each review has been revised to fit the style of the College and amalgamated into a comprehensive document, the content remains unchanged until reviewed and new evidence is identified and added to the evidence-base. Updated content will be indicated on individual review pages. |