Tooth loss among Nigerians: causes and pattern of mortality

A study was carried out to elucidate the causes and pattern of loss of permanent teeth among Nigerians. A total of 3,163 dental extractions were carried out on 2,100 patients thus giving a ratio of 1.5 extractions per patient. The investigation revealed two major causes of tooth loss, i.e. periodontal disease (46.4%) and dental caries (43.9%). Other important aetiologic factors were trauma (4.5%), tooth impaction (2.4%) and orthodontic problem (1.6%). There was evidence to confirm fears by previous researchers that dental caries as a major cause of tooth mortality was increasing fast and could soon become the most important cause of tooth loss if not controlled. The study further showed that tooth mortality among Nigerians could be minimized if appropriate steps were taken immediately to control periodontal disease and dental caries, both of which constitute approximately 90% of all the causes of tooth loss.