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Preventing Oro-Dental Trauma in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author's details

  • Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
  • MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
  • Resident doctor in family medicine in Northern Sweden.

Reviewer's details

  • Dr Adeyemi, Moshood Folorunsho.
  • BDS, FMCDS
  • Maxillofacial surgeon University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital/University of Ilorin
  • Date Published: 2025-03-19
  • Date Updated: 2025-03-19

Preventing Oro-Dental Trauma in Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction

Oro-dental trauma refers to injuries to the mouth, teeth, and surrounding tissues, often caused by falls, sports injuries, road accidents, or violence. In sub-Saharan Africa, such injuries are increasingly common, especially among children and young adults, due to lack of awareness, safety measures, and access to protective devices like mouthguards.

Discussion
How to Prevent Oro-Dental Trauma
  1. Use Protective Gear:
    • Mouthguards: For those involved in contact sports (e.g., football, basketball), wearing custom-fitted mouthguards can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries.
    • Helmets: Always wear helmets when riding motorcycles or bicycles to protect both the head and face.
  2. Promote Safety in Schools and Communities:
    • Ensure that playgrounds, schools, and homes have safe environments, with soft surfaces on playgrounds and safe equipment to reduce the risk of falls and injury.
  3. Road Safety:
    • Encourage the use of seatbelts and car seats for children. Educate communities on road safety, such as proper pedestrian behavior and safe driving practices, to reduce accidents.
  4. Education and Awareness:
    • Raise awareness in schools and communities about the importance of dental health and injury prevention. Teaching people about proper dental care and the risks of trauma can help reduce the incidence of injuries.
  5. Access to Dental Care:
    • Strengthening access to dental care services and emergency treatment can help manage injuries effectively if they occur, preventing long-term damage.
Conclusion

Oro-dental trauma can be prevented through education, the use of protective gear, and by creating safer environments. By raising awareness and promoting preventive measures, communities in sub-Saharan Africa can reduce the risk of such injuries and maintain better oral health.

If you experience a dental injury, seek immediate dental care to prevent complications.

 

References
  1. World Health Organization. Oral Health. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health Accessed Nov. 26 2024
  2. Murray JJ, Nunn JH, Steele JG, editors. The prevention of oral disease. Oxford University Press; 2003 Jun 5.
  3. Gijwani D, Singh S, Mathur A, Makkar DK. Traumatic orofacial injuries and its prevention. Saudi Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017 May 1;17(2):70-4.
  4. Udayamalee I, Amarasinghe H, Zhang P. Oro‐dental trauma burden and mouthguard usage among contact sports players: A call for sports dentistry initiatives in Sri Lanka. Dental Traumatology. 2024 May 13.