Prevalence of Toothache in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Worldwide Studies

Abstract

Objectives: Toothache is defined as pain originating from a tooth and its supporting structures, often described as the most frequent type of orofacial pain. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence of toothache in adults. Methods: The study selection process adhered to the PECOS inclusion criteria: Population (P): Adults; Exposure (E): Toothache; (C): None; Outcome (O): Prevalence; Studies (S): Observational studies. Results: The initial search yielded 1,781 studies, and after eligibility criteria were applied, 48 studies were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of toothache was found to be 24% (95% confidence interval [21, 27.2]; n = 447,373). Conclusions: When categorized, the prevalence among adults was as follows: 34.6% currently experiencing tooth pain, 14.5% in the past month, 19.5% in the past 6 mo, and 29.0% in the past 12 mo. Geographically, toothache prevalence varied as follows: 43.2% in Africa, 30.6% in Asia, 24.6% in Europe, 17.0% in South America, 15.0% in Oceania, and 13.44% in North America. Clinical Significance: Based on the available evidence, this systematic review suggests that the overall prevalence of toothache in adults is 24%, with higher rates in Africa (43.2%) and Asia (30.6%) and lower rates in Oceania (15.0%) and North America (13.4%). Knowledge Transfer Statement: The worldwide prevalence of toothache was found to be 24%. Toothache prevalence varied by continent as follows: 43.2% in Africa, 30.6% in Asia, 24.6% in Europe, 17.0% in South America, 15.0% in Oceania, and 13.44% in North America.