ArticleEuropean archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry2026
Age-specific vulnerabilities in paediatric dental emergencies before, during, and after COVID-19 lockdown: a retrospective comparative analysis with emphasis on early childhood (0-3 years).
Article in European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
purposeTo examine the unique vulnerability patterns of very young children (0-3 years) in dental emergencies before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown period, compared to older paediatric patients. The study aimed to identify age-specific risk factors and treatment needs that demonstrate increased susceptibility to severe dental emergencies during healthcare crises.
methodsA retrospective analysis of 6,024 emergency dental visits of children under 12 years was conducted, comparing three periods: pre-COVID (March-May 2019), during the first lockdown (March-May 2020), and post-lockdown (March-May 2021). Data from a major Israeli healthcare provider's dental clinics were analysed for age-specific patterns in emergency presentations, treatment requirements, and clinical outcomes.
resultsChildren aged 0-3 years showed distinct emergency patterns during lockdown, with significantly higher rates of pulpal pain (51.2% vs. 42.1% pre-COVID) and dental abscess (24.8% vs. 19.5% pre-COVID). This age group experienced the highest proportion of invasive treatments (24.8% requiring extraction) compared to other age groups. The mean age of emergency presentations decreased significantly during lockdown (6.2 years vs. 7.1 years pre-COVID, p < 0.001), with the 0-3 age group showing the most marked increase in severity of presentations.
conclusionVery young children (0-3 years) demonstrated specific vulnerabilities during the healthcare crisis, characterized by increased susceptibility to severe dental emergencies, higher rates of invasive interventions (44.5% vs. 30.6% pre-COVID), and disproportionate representation in emergency presentations. These findings demonstrate age-specific vulnerabilities that require targeted emergency protocols and preventive strategies during future healthcare crises.
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