Epidemiology of traumatic dental injuries

Abstract

The oral region comprises 1% of the total body area, yet it accounts for 5% of all bodily injuries. In preschool children, oral injuries make up as much as 17% of all bodily injuries. The incidence of traumatic dental injuries is 1%-3%, and the prevalence is steady at 20%-30%. The annual cost of treatment is US $2-$5 million per 1 million inhabitants. Etiologic factors vary between countries and with age groups. Important public health implications such as how to best organize emergency dental care and how to prevent dental injuries, decrease cost, and increase lay knowledge are important factors needed to change epidemiologic data toward more favorable figures in the future.