(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI0)
ACCIDENTS do happen.
There are sports injuries, falls and avulsion, the latter the complete displacement of a tooth from its socket as a result of accidents or physical assaults.
According to estimates made by the World Health Organization (WHO), a billion people are affected by accidents causing injury to the oral cavity, known to dentists as oro-dental trauma.
Technically speaking, oro-dental trauma refers to any injury or damage that occurs to the teeth, gums, or surrounding structures as a result of an external force.
Oro-dental trauma specifically refers to dental trauma that occurs in the oral cavity, which includes the teeth, gums, tongue, and other soft tissues. It can occur at any age.
Oro dental trauma can have a significant impact on a person’s oral health, aesthetics and overall quality of life.
And because children are prone to accidents, the prevalence of oro-dental trauma is around 20 percent among those up to 12 years old, according to the WHO.
Oro-dental trauma occurs in the oral cavity, affecting the teeth, gums, tongue and other soft tissues.
Oro-dental trauma can be caused by oral factors such as lack of alignment of teeth and other factors such as unsafe playgrounds, risk-taking behavior, road accidents and violence.
Treatment is costly and lengthy and sometimes can even lead to tooth loss, resulting in complications for facial and psychological development and quality of life.
There are several common causes of oro dental trauma:
Accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and workplace accidents, are one of the leading causes of oro-dental trauma. Teeth can be knocked out, fractured or displaced, and can also cause injuries to the gums and other soft tissues in the oral cavity.
Sports, especially contact sports such as football, basketball, and hockey, can result in oro-dental trauma. Impact from collisions, falls, or blows to the face during sports activities can cause tooth fractures, avulsion (complete displacement of a tooth from its socket) and other traumatic injuries to the oral cavity.
Although rare, dental procedures can sometimes cause oro-dental trauma. This may occur during tooth extractions, root canal treatments, and other dental procedures that occasionally cause treatment-induced injuries such as fractures, perforations, or injuries to the surrounding soft tissues.
A study published in the Journal of Odontology enumerates the types of oro-dental trauma.
They include dental fractures, according to the study’s author, Deborah Kreher of the Department of Prosthodontics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
“Dental fractures are one of the most common types of oro dental trauma,” she says. “Dental fractures can occur in different ways, such as enamel fractures (limited to the outer layer of the tooth), dentin fractures (extending into the inner layer of the tooth), and complex fractures (involving both enamel and dentin). Dental fractures can result in tooth sensitivity, pain, and aesthetic concerns.
Oro-dental trauma can also result in injuries to the soft tissues in the oral cavity, including the gums, tongue, lips, and cheeks. Soft tissue injuries can range from minor cuts and abrasions to more severe lacerations, contusions, and puncture wounds. Soft tissue injuries can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in speaking or eating.
***
Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
***
Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
