Prevalence and factors associated with traumatic dental injuries among schoolchildren in war‐torn Libya

Abstract

Background/Aims No previous epidemiological study has investigated the prevalence and associated factors of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among Libyan children. Such information is required for the planning and evaluation of health services. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of TDIs and associated factors among 12‐year‐old schoolchildren in Benghazi, Libya. Methods Data for this study were collected as part of a comprehensive, cross‐sectional survey investigating oral health status and treatment needs of 12‐year‐old schoolchildren in Benghazi, Libya, between December 2016 and May 2017. Sociodemographic information was collected through a dental health questionnaire. The children were assessed for oral health status, including TDIs according to modified World Health Organization (WHO) classification criteria, in their classroom by trained and calibrated examiners. Anthropometric measures, lip competence and overjet were all assessed and reported. History of TDIs was sought among those affected. Logistic regression models were applied for TDIs as an outcome variable. The statistical significance for all tests was ≤0.05. Results Data from 1134 participants were included in this study. TDIs were observed in 10.3% of the sample. Most of these TDIs were enamel fractures only (55.6%) and enamel and dentine fractures (35.9%). “Falling” was the most common cause of TDIs, accounting for 51% of cases. While increased overjet appeared to be associated with higher risk of TDIs (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.29‐2.86), being female (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.22‐0.53) and overweight (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13‐0.83) were also associated with lower risk of having TDIs. Conclusions This survey showed that a considerable proportion (10.3%) of 12‐year‐old Libyan children had TDIs, with relatively high unmet treatment needs. More efforts are required to develop effective prevention programmes and to enhance the provision of dental treatment of TDIs for Libyan children.

Child dental neglect and legal protections: a compendium of briefs from policy reviews in 26 countries and a special administrative region of China

“…Several studies have demonstrated highly unmet treatment needs among school children: 70% of 6-year-olds and 42% of 12-yearolds have untreated caries (132,133). There is also a high level of unmet treatment needs related to dental trauma (134), dental fluorosis (135) and molar incisor hypo-mineralization (136).…”

Awareness of sports‐related dental emergencies and prevention practices among Libyan contact sports coaches: A cross‐sectional study

“…A recent survey of Libyan school children reported that 10.3% of 12‐years‐old suffered from TDIs, most of which were due to falling. 20 This observation emphasizes the importance of developing effective prevention programs and interventions in different settings to manage sport‐related TDIs. 21 , 22 However, it is unclear to what extent the coaches in sports centers in Benghazi, Libya, are prepared to handle emergencies caused by TDIs.…”

“…However, it has been noticed that there is an increase in sports centers for children and adolescents who may become at increased risk for orofacial injuries. A recent survey of Libyan school children reported that 10.3% of 12‐years‐old suffered from TDIs, most of which were due to falling 20 . This observation emphasizes the importance of developing effective prevention programs and interventions in different settings to manage sport‐related TDIs 21,22 .…”

Frequency of Traumatic Dental Injuries to Anterior Teeth Among 7 to 14 Year-Old School Children

“…Children's daily lives are affected by TDI in many ways, including their appearance, functionality, comfort, selfconfidence, and more. 5,6 Slurred speech, limited biting, and an unattractive appearance can all result from these alterations, which are more noticeable in the child's higher front teeth than his or her lower incisors. The loss of proximal and incisal connections might cause malocclusion in a short period of time.…”