Pattern of paediatric tooth extractions in KANO, northern Nigeria: implications for policy and practice

This study aimed to investigate the patterns of tooth extractions in a paediatric population attending a dental clinic in Kano, Northern Nigeria, and to identify the prevalent reasons and associated factors contributing to the need for extractions. Furthermore, it sought to explore the implications of the findings for policy and practice in the region. A retrospective analysis of patient records from the paediatric dental clinic at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital was conducted for patients treated between January 2021 and December 2023. Data were collected on patient demographics, FDI tooth number and tooth type extracted (primary/permanent), and reason for extraction. Descriptive analyses and chi-square tests were performed using SPSS version 20. A total of 1556 teeth were extracted from 1140 children aged 1 to 16 years (male-to-female ratio 1.1:1). Single tooth extraction accounted for 71.4% of cases, while 28.6% involved multiple tooth extractions. Dental caries was the most prevalent reason for extraction (62.7%), followed by orthodontic reasons (29.6%) and traumatic dental injuries (7.7%). Maxillary anterior teeth were commonly extracted in children aged 1–5 years, while mandibular posterior teeth were predominantly extracted in older age groups (p < 0.05). Permanent maxillary central incisors and mandibular first molars, as well as deciduous maxillary second molars and mandibular first molars, were the most frequently extracted teeth. Dental caries, orthodontic reasons, and traumatic dental injuries are significant contributors to tooth extractions in this population. Age-specific patterns and tooth-related factors influenced the reasons for extractions, highlighting the need for targeted preventive measures and early interventions tailored to different age groups. The findings underscore the urgency of implementing comprehensive preventive dental programmes, improving access to affordable dental care, and developing evidence-based policies to address the oral health challenges faced by children in Kano state, Northern Nigeria.