Pattern, frequency and causes of tooth extraction among adult Syrian refugees

The Syrian crisis has resulted in a significant impact on refugee oral health status, but the scientific literature lacks information characterizing the pattern of tooth extraction in refugees.

The current study analyzed the pattern of tooth extraction and the associated sociodemographic factors among 626 (53.4% females, 46.6% males) Syrian refugees who were treated in dental clinics in the Zaatari camp. All adult Syrian refugees attending the dental unit at Zaatari camp were eligible to participate. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected from the study sample using a validated semi-structured survey over a period of 4 months. Descriptive statistics were generated and Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, ANOVA test and Bonferroni Post Hoc test were used to examine associations between the different variables.

More than one third of the attendees (33.9%) were young adults (18-29 years), and nearly two thirds (69.8%) had no or very basic education. The mean number of teeth that needed extraction was (1.46 ± 0.84) and was significantly higher in males, smokers, older patients, and those with no or basic education. The most common cause for tooth extraction was dental caries (54.8%), followed by tooth fracture/un-restorability (38.5%), and periodontitis (3.4%); while the least common reason was tooth extraction for orthodontic treatment (0.20%).

Dental caries and its sequelae were the leading cause of tooth extraction in this refugee population. Molar teeth were found to be the most frequently extracted and lower anteriors were the least. Older age, smoking, patients with lower educational level, poor oral hygiene and male gender all predispose to a higher incidence of tooth extractions.