Patterns and reasons for childhood tooth extraction in Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Childhood tooth extraction is widespread in developing nations especially in sub-Saharan African owing to high prevalence of oral diseases in the population. Purpose of this study is to analyze the reasons and pattern of tooth extraction among children from Northwest Nigeria. Case records of children <14 years seen at the dental clinic of the Federal Medical centre, Gusau, Zamfara state between January 2011 and December 2012 were retrieved from the Medical Records Department and analyzed for analyzed for gender, age, indication for extraction and tooth/teeth extracted. A total of 181 teeth were extracted in 127 patients (1.4 extractions per patients) over a 2 years study period. There were 66 (51.9%) males and 61 (48.1%) females (M:F = 1.08:1). Dental caries and its sequelae 141 (77.9%) was the leading aetiology for tooth extraction followed by trauma 24 (13.3%). Permanent teeth 121 (66.9%) were twice frequently extracted than primary teeth 60 (33.1%). Mandibular teeth 112 (61.9%) were more commonly extracted than maxillary teeth 69 (38.1%). Posterior teeth 115 (63.5%) extractions nearly double that of anterior teeth 66 (36.5%). First permanent molar extraction predominates 51 (28.1%). Majority of the extractions occurred in the 6-9 years age group 96 (53%). Mandibular posteriors constituted the principal teeth removed in the 6-9 years and 10-13 years age groups. In contrast, maxillary anteriors were the main teeth extracted in the younger age group of 0-5 years. For maxillary anteriors trauma was the highest indication for tooth extraction. In conclusion, dental caries and its sequelae was the primary reason for tooth extraction in the study across all age groups and trauma accounted signifi cantly for removal of maxillary anteriors. Thus, there is a need to critically embark on public enlightenment campaign on preventive oral health.

Common Factors Leading to Tooth Extraction - A Cross Sectional Study in A Tertiary Care Hospital

“…Other factors like orthodontic extractions did not contribute much in this study, which is comparable to other studies [29,30] On contrary, in a study, trauma contributed as third most leading factor towards exodontia [31] Other factors leading to extraction contributed insignificantly. This small proportion is also comparable to Alesia K., et al study [32].…”

Tooth extraction: Pattern and etiology from extreme Northwestern Nigeria

“…Comparable to some previous studies, mandibular teeth were more often extracted than maxillary teeth although other studies observed that maxillary teeth were more often extracted. [ 3 20 21 22 ] The propensity of food and plaque accumulation to occur more around the mandibular teeth, thus increasing susceptibility to caries formation, may be responsible for this observation. [ 23 ]…”

“…[ 1 2 ] Tooth loss has significant socioeconomic, quality of life general health, and psychological consequences. [ 2 3 ] Indeed, tooth loss has become a global public health concern of immense proportion. [ 3 4 ] Despite being preventable, dental caries and periodontal disease remain the most common reasons for tooth extraction, especially developing nations.…”

“…[ 2 3 ] Indeed, tooth loss has become a global public health concern of immense proportion. [ 3 4 ] Despite being preventable, dental caries and periodontal disease remain the most common reasons for tooth extraction, especially developing nations. [ 5 6 ]…”

“…The reasons for tooth extraction and the number of teeth extracted in a population have been linked to the oral hygiene, level of education, socioeconomic status, and individual quality of life. [ 3 5 7 ] Degree of urbanization has also been found to affect the pattern of tooth extractions. [ 8 9 ] Moreover, oral disease burden and its etiological factors exhibit inter- and intra-regional variations.…”