Introduction:

the objective of the study was to review the oral and dental manifestations of child abuse.

Material and methods:

we performed a systematic review study following the PRISMA guidelines. We performed 2 searches using MeSH terms in the Medline/PubMed database for the period ranging from 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2019.

Results:

the review included 26 articles, of which 65.4% were published in dental journals and 16% in paediatric journals. All oral and dental injuries caused by physical abuse raise suspicion, but none are pathognomonic. They must be distinguished from unintentional injuries, which are common in the paediatric population. To do so, the presence of physical signs considered strong warning signs must be assessed. All oral and dental diseases resulting from neglect are suggestive but not confirmatory of neglect. Therefore, it is necessary to assess whether there are factors considered necessary to diagnose dental neglect, such as other health problems arising from chronic neglect or other indicators of physical and/or sexual abuse. Oral infections by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Treponema pallidum are pathognomonic for sexual abuse. All other oral injuries and diseases are considered suspicious or suggestive.

Conclusions:

injuries and diseases resulting from child abuse or neglect frequently manifest the oral and intraoral regions. It is essential that paediatricians and dentists be aware of the problem, trained in its detection, and knowledgeable of when and how to document and notify suspected cases. These efforts, as well as the overall work of these professionals, will increase our ability to prevent and detect child maltreatment and to protect and care for children.

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