Dental Trauma in Adult and Elderly Nigerians: A National Survey

Various studies on Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDI) have been carried out in different small localities and mostly among children and adolescents in Nigeria, but there has not been any national study to determine its prevalence. This national survey was carried out to understand the complexities of dental trauma epidemiology among adult and elderly Nigerians.

A national cross-sectional survey of TDI among adult and elderly Nigerians, following WHO recommendations.

A total of 5,067 adults (35-44 years) and 4,680 elderly (65-74 years) Nigerians were examined, and the prevalence of dental trauma among the adult and elderly was 15.9 % and 22.1%, respectively. Gender comparison showed males were more affected than females in the North (p<0.05), while TDIs occurred more among females in Southern Nigeria (p<0.05). In Nigeria, Type 2 injuries were most prevalent among the adults and elderly (53.9% and 55.7%, respectively). Among the elderly, while Type 1 injuries were more common in the North, Type 2 injuries were more prevalent in Southern Nigeria (p<0.05). Types 3-10 injuries were more prevalent in the South (p<0.05). TDI 1,2 occurred more in the anterior teeth among adults (p<0.05) and in posterior teeth among the elderly, especially in Southern Nigeria (p<0.05); while TDI 3-10 affected mostly the anterior teeth in both age groups (p<0.05.

The observed pattern of dental trauma among the adults and elderly Nigerians could reflect the diverse dietary and socio-cultural practices. Advocacy for prevention of, relevant education on, research into and improvement of access to treatments for dental trauma is recommended.