The purpose of the study was to assess the lifetime prevalence of dental injuries and risk factors involved in a general population-based birth cohort. The study population consisted of 5737 subjects who had participated in a health survey at the age of 31 years. Altogether 52% of the participants were women. This partly computer-based health survey included two questionnaires on previous dental and non-dental injuries, general health, occupational status and lifestyle. The current study was based on these questionnaires. The lifetime prevalence of dental fractures was 43% and the lifetime prevalence of dental luxations and exarticulations 14%. Men more commonly had dental injuries than women. Particularly mental distress and a history of previous injuries were shown to increase the risk for dental injuries. Furthermore, overweight and high alcohol consumption were positively associated with a high lifetime prevalence of tooth trauma. Regular physical activity decreased trauma occurrence. Socioeconomic status further affected the lifetime prevalence of dental injuries. The conclusion of the study was that personal, social and physical factors played a role in the occurrence of dental trauma.

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Objective: To compare the location and multiplicity of mandibular fractures in Kuwait, Canada and Finland during the 1990s. Subjects and Methods: Data were collected from several hospitals in Kuwait (1991–2000), Toronto General Hospital in Canada (1995–2000) and Oulu University Hospital in Finland (1990–1999). The data were analyzed statistically using chi-square test, ANOVA, t test and logistic regression. Results: Condylar fractures were more common in Finnish patients (41%) than Canadian (35%) or Kuwaiti patients (21%). Condylar fractures caused by falls were about 3.4 times more common in Kuwait and Finland compared to Canada. In Finland the risk of road traffic accidents caused by condylar fracture was about 4 times higher than those caused by other etiologies. In Canada male gender was about 2 times higher for the condylar fracture than female gender. Female patients often had more multiple injuries than men in all three countries and multiple fractures were observed especially in traumas caused by falling. Conclusion: Differences in location and multiplicity of mandibular fractures are due to differences in etiologies and demographic patterns.