Aim: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder primarily characterized by inattention and hyperactivity that affects approximately 7.2% of children and adolescents worldwide. This study aimed to assess whether children and adolescents with ADHD were more likely to have dental trauma when compared to their healthy peers.
Methods: This study was reported following the statements proposed in MOOSE (Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, APA PsycINFO, LILACS, and grey literature were searched until October 2022. Observational studies with a control group were eligible. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The meta-analysis was performed using the R language. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was applied.
Results: A total of 239 studies were detected; of these, six were included in the qualitative synthesis and four were merged in the meta-analysis (OR = 1.80 [1.16-2.80]; I2 = 18.6% [0.0%-87.5%]). The risk of bias was high. The strength of the evidence was "very low."
Conclusion: Children and adolescents with ADHD are more likely to have dental trauma than their non-ADHD peers. However, due to limitations in the design of the included studies, a causal relationship cannot be established.
Keywords: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; dental trauma; meta-analysis; neurodevelopmental disorders; oral health; traumatic dental injuries.
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