A Systematic Review to Assess Prevalence of Toothache and Associated Factors in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to estimate the combined prevalence of toothache among children and adolescents and to examine its association with sociodemographic factors and history of dental caries.
Materials and Methods: searches were conducted across six primary and three grey literature databases. Observational studies evaluating toothache prevalence and associated factors were included. Study quality was assessed using the Fowkes and Fulton guidelines.
Results: Seventy-one studies met the inclusion criteria, with thirty-two exhibiting high methodological quality and low risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of toothache among children and adolescents was 36.2% (95% CI: 33.0–39.42; I2: 99.72%; P < 0.001). Females (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08–1.26; I2: 91%; P < 0.001) and individuals with caregivers having ≤8 years of education (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.30–1.56; I2: 77%; P < 0.001) were more likely to report toothache. Experience with dental caries increased the likelihood of reporting toothache by 3.49 times (95% CI: 2.70–4.51; I2: 92%; P < 0.001). The overall evidence certainty was rated as very low.
Conclusions: The pooled prevalence of toothache in children and adolescents is notably high. Sociodemographic factors, such as gender and caregiver education level, along with prior dental caries experience, were significantly associated with toothache prevalence.