Orofacial manifestations in violent children sexually: the role of dentist surgeon in diagnosis

Manifestações orofaciais em crianças violentadas sexualmente: o papel do cirurgião dentista no diagnóstico

Abstract

Sexual abuse against children and adolescents is one of the main public health problems around the world that can cause physical and psychological short and long-term consequences. The objective of this study is to review the literature on signs and symptoms related to sexual abuse in children and adolescents that can be identified by the dentist. The most common orofacial manifestations are composed of lacerations, bruises or abrasions on the lip, tongue, labial and lingual frenums, gingiva, oral mucosa, dental trauma, ecchymosis, bites and scratches. Oral lesions from sexual violence are difficult to diagnose, because they can be confused with accident or disease, but signs such as erythema, ulcer, petechiae on the palate can be a sign of sexual practice through forced oral sex, in addition to the presence of symptoms of sexually transmitted infections in the orofacial and oropharyngeal region. Many victims do not show the physical signs mentioned above, therefore, the psychological aspects must be taken into account. The fear on the part of healthcare professional of seeing violence is a fact, since they fear the reaction of family members, the incorrect diagnosis and lack of knowledge of how to carry out the notification. In cases of suspected sexual abuse, the dentist must record it in the patient's medical record, followed by notification to Organs. It is concluded that the dentist is a professional capable of acting in the identification of cases involving child sexual abuse.