Increased lifetime prevalence of dental trauma is associated with previous non‐dental injuries, mental distress and high alcohol consumption

Abstract

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.

Frequency of root resorption following trauma to permanent teeth

“…Such injuries are commonly related to falls, or traffic-or sport-related accidents (3)(4)(5)(6). Dental injuries occur more frequently in children between 8 and 15 years of age, although lately there has been a reported increase among patients older than 18 years (7,8). The majority of dental injuries involve the anterior teeth.…”

The relevance of alcohol to dental practice

“…25 A positive association has also been found between high alcohol consumption and the lifetime risk of dental trauma. 26 Additionally, the prevalence of dental trauma is significantly higher in those that binge drink. 27 Staining There is limited evidence linking alcohol and tooth staining.…”

Obesity, physical activity and traumatic dental injuries in adolescents from East London

“…Of the 13 studies included, one was a case-control study (4), another a cross-sectional analysis of birth cohort data (9) and all others were cross-sectional studies. Due to the marked variation in reference standards for BMI and physical activity, inconsistencies between study outcomes and varying study sizes, the authors reported that the results were inconclusive to declare any true associations (10).…”