THE ORAL CAVITY AS A MARKER OF CHILD VIOLENCE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF THE DENTIST

Abstract

Violence against children and adolescents is a major public health problem that requires the coordinated efforts of healthcare professionals for its identification and prevention. In this context, the oral cavity presents clinical signs that may contribute to the recognition of suspected cases of child maltreatment. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence regarding the oral cavity as a marker of child abuse and to discuss the role of the dentist in identifying, documenting, and reporting such cases. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, with studies selected according to previously established eligibility criteria. Following the screening process, 11 studies were included in the final synthesis. The findings showed that dental fractures, intraoral and extraoral ecchymoses, lacerations, abnormalities of the labial frenulum, extensive untreated caries, and signs of dental neglect may constitute warning indicators of possible cases of violence. However, difficulties related to diagnostic uncertainty, lack of professional training, and insufficient knowledge of reporting procedures were identified. It is concluded that dentists play a strategic role in the child and adolescent protection network and that improving professional education and knowledge of ethical and legal responsibilities is essential to promote the early identification and appropriate referral of suspected cases.