Parents’ knowledge of emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth in Sweden: a cross-sectional questionnaire study

PURPOSE: Traumatic dental injuries are common in children and adolescents, and timely emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth is critical for prognosis. Parents are often first responders, yet evidence regarding parental knowledge in Sweden is limited. This study assessed knowledge of the emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth in a Swedish cohort of parents and explored factors associated with knowledge level. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted amongst parents attending a tertiary paediatric dental clinic in Stockholm, Sweden. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, prior exposure to dental-trauma information, and knowledge of emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth. A composite knowledge score was calculated and analysed descriptively and using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 168 parents participated. Overall, 54.2% had insufficient knowledge, whilst 45.8% had sufficient knowledge using the analytical threshold of ≥ 50% correct responses. Only 44.6% knew that replantation of a permanent tooth is possible, 28.5% selected rinsing under running water as the correct cleaning method, and 18.3% selected milk as an appropriate storage medium. Prior exposure to information was associated with sufficient knowledge. In multivariable analysis, university education remained associated with sufficient knowledge. CONCLUSION: This Swedish cohort of parents showed limited knowledge of emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth, particularly regarding replantation, cleaning, extra-oral time, and storage media. Educational initiatives through dental clinics and digital platforms may improve parental preparedness, but broader population-based studies are needed.