Prevalence of Oral Infections and Associated Demographic Factors Among Patients in Benin City Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: In Nigeria, the incidence of orodental infections and demographics of affected patients are poorly documented. This study aims to evaluate the trends, demographics and comorbidities among patients with oral infections in two study centers in Benin City.

Materials and Methods: This study evaluated five hundred and ninety-eight patients from the outpatient departments in the Dental Clinics of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Central Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Patient data collected were age, gender, diagnoses, duration of symptoms, preferred chewing side, position of extracted tooth/teeth, and underlying reported health conditions.

Results: A total of 56.86% of our respondents were females. The highest occurrence of oral infections was within the age range of 21-30 years (27.26%). The most encountered diagnoses were periodontitis (55.85%) and caries (19.57%). Retained roots (3.34%) and fractures (6.52%) accounted for non-infectious diagnoses. Comorbid conditions in the population were peptic ulcer, hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus. Time frame for seeking medical care showed that 236 patients reported for care within one week. Other observed time frames were 1-4 weeks (208) and greater than four weeks (154).

Conclusion: Patients between 20-30 years in both sexes were more predisposed to oral diseases with acute apical periodontitis being the most prevalent, followed by dental caries. Peptic ulcer, hypertension and/or diabetes were the coexisting chronic conditions of the study participants.