Knowledge and Emergency Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries Among Primary School Caregivers in Yulin, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) represent a prevalent public health concern among school-aged children, with suboptimal caregiver knowledge frequently leading to delayed management in China. This study evaluated TDI-related knowledge and emergency management competence among caregivers of primary school students in Yulin, Guangxi. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 6,434 caregivers (second- and third-grade students' caregivers) using a validated electronic questionnaire. Multivariable analyses (linear/logistic regression) were employed to identify determinants of TDI knowledge and its association with emergency response behaviors. Results The mean TDI knowledge score was markedly low (4.5 ± 2.3), with only 12.9% reporting prior TDI knowledge training. Regression models identified key predictors including caregiver characteristics (caregiver’s type, education level, occupation), health engagement (training experience, learning interest), and the child’s dental trauma history ( p  < 0.05). Among 356 caregivers who had a child with dental trauma experience, merely 46.9% sought immediate professional care, and delayed presentation was significantly associated with knowledge deficits (OR = 1.153, 95%CI = 1.049 ~ 1.267). Conclusion Critical gaps in TDI knowledge among Yulin caregivers contribute to suboptimal emergency responses and compromised treatment outcomes. Targeted school-based oral health programs incorporating evidence-based TDI protocols are urgently needed to enhance clinical outcomes and preserve pediatric dental health.