How Dentists Can Spot Signs of Abuse

It’s unfortunate that medical practitioners encounter signs of child abuse in every industry. Any time a child is permitted to experience mental, physical, or emotional harm, Child abuse has occurred. Physical and sexual abuse is encountered, as is neglect. In most child abuse cases, it’s common for injuries to the neck, face, and head to be encountered. Injuries to any part of the orofacial area, including the jaws and teeth, are also common outcomes. Dentists encountering these indicators are required to contact the authorities with suspicions of abuse by law.

How Dentists Can Spot Signs of Abuse

In almost every state it is required for medical practitioners of every type to contact the authorities in the event that signs of mistreatment are present. They are not required to prove that abuse is present to report their suspicion, and must do so in any case where suspicion exists. Failure to do so can come with steep penalties in the form of fines and jail time. There are a few signs that they watch for, and may report if they encounter. 

• Physical Abuse – Instances of physical abuse will often produce injuries to the teeth and jawbone due to impacts. The lips and mouth can also become injured from encounters like these. It’s common for lacerations to appear on the inside of the cheek. This is where the impact drove the soft tissue into the teeth. Injuries to the tongue, soft and hard palates, the oral mucosa, and the mouth floor can all be found as well. Teeth that are fractured, knocked out, or displaced are also looked for.
• Sexual Abuse – While most signs of sexual abuse are not commonly present in the orofacial area, there are two cases that can be. Oral gonorrhea and perioral (around the mouth) gonorrhea commonly appear when a child is sexually abused.
• Emotional Abuse – As a form of abuse that has no physical signs, emotional abuse can be difficult to identify. Rather it is necessary to watch for behaviors and habits in the child. Emotionally abused children often fear making mistakes, are reluctant to speak with others, and generally display high levels of anxiety. Rocking, tantrums, and thumb-sucking at inappropriate ages are also common. Another sign is taking additional responsibility for children younger than them, even when they’re quite young themselves.
• Neglect – These signs are easy to spot. Undernourished children have dirty bodies or clothes, have untreated medical conditions, and have poor oral hygiene may be neglected.

These signs can all be reason enough for the dentist to reach out to the authorities with concerns about abuse. They also serve as useful indicators for those wanting to watch out for the children closest to them. Together we can help prevent child abuse.

Your Dentist Can Advise You If You’re Concerned

While dentists are unable to take action based on reports alone, they can give advice about signs you may have seen. Their training includes keeping an eye out for cases of abuse. They’ll advise you to speak to a social worker or child protective services department in the event they think something is awry.