How can a child's dental examination assist in identifying potential abuse cases?

- A child's dental examination can reveal fractured teeth or oral injuries that do not match the caregiver’s explanation, which is a critical indicator of potential abuse.
- These inconsistencies suggest intentional harm rather than accidental injury.
- Unlike conditions such as delayed eruption, caries, or enamel hypoplasia, which have medical or nutritional causes, unexplained trauma in the oral cavity is a key red flag for abuse.
- Early detection through dental exams is vital for safeguarding the child's wellbeing.

Reference: Pinkham's Handbook of Pediatric Dentistry, 5th Edition, Chapter 10: Pediatric Oral Pathology, Page 221-223