Navigating the Epidemiology and Complexities of Dental Trauma in Southeast Asia: A Multi-Disciplinary Scoping Review.

Aim: To negotiate the available literature on 'the epidemiology' of dental trauma or DT in Southeast Asia, recognize key patterns, along highlight the gaps in the reporting of data and management.

Background: DT is an important public health problem in Southeast Asia. The differences in socioeconomic situation and healthcare protocol contribute to discrepancies in DT prevalence, along with management. Despite the impact, extensive data on DT remain limited in multiple countries within Southeast Asia.

Method: A scoping review was organized following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-ScR) instructions. Searches were conducted across databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed) using applicable keywords. 18 studies were listed, with data extricated on study design, prevalence, population, as well as key findings.

Results: The pervasiveness of DT varied crucially, with the elevated rates reported in nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Important risk factors cover age (adolescents and children), motor vehicle accidents, and gender (males). A significant lack in the literature, especially from under-represented nations, as well as in rural areas was recognized.

Conclusion: The current scoping review reinforces the significant load of dental trauma in Southeast Asia, with differing prevalence across the area due to inconsistent reporting and socioeconomic disparities. Countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia show higher DT rates, particularly among children, adolescents, and motor vehicle accident victims, while data gaps remain in other nations of Southeast Asia.