Illustration representing the impact of war on oral and maxillofacial health, with a focus on a soldier and the need for support.

Beyond the Battlefield: Unveiling the Hidden Scars of War on Military Personnel

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"A Deep Dive into Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan: Understanding the Impact and Seeking Solutions"

War's impact extends far beyond the visible wounds of battle. For those who serve, the physical and psychological scars can manifest in unexpected ways, often impacting their quality of life long after they return home. One area that frequently goes unnoticed is the realm of oral and maxillofacial injuries—damage to the face, jaw, and mouth—which can have profound implications for overall health and well-being.

This article examines the prevalence of these injuries among U.S. military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014. Drawing on extensive research, we'll uncover the scope of these injuries, identify the services most affected, and highlight the need for increased awareness and improved care. By understanding the extent of the problem, we can work towards better support for those who have sacrificed so much.

The study, published in the journal Military Medicine, offers a critical look at the types of injuries sustained, the rates at which they occurred, and the services that experienced the highest burden. This data not only helps to quantify the scale of the issue but also provides valuable insights for future research and the development of more effective treatment strategies.

Decoding the Data: Key Findings on Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries

Illustration representing the impact of war on oral and maxillofacial health, with a focus on a soldier and the need for support.

The research reveals a significant number of oral and maxillofacial injuries among military personnel during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These injuries were not just a minor inconvenience; they often required extensive medical attention and could have lasting consequences. The data, compiled from the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DoDTR), provides a comprehensive overview of the situation.

The study highlighted that cranial and oral-maxillofacial injuries accounted for a substantial portion—33%—of all military visits to in-theater medical facilities for battle injuries during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). This underscores the significant risk faced by service members and the critical need for specialized medical care in the field.

High Incidence: Oral-maxillofacial injuries represented a significant portion of battle injuries, highlighting the risks faced by service members.
Army's Dominance: The U.S. Army had the highest number of injuries.
Marine Peaks: The Marines experienced the highest injury rates during the initial stages of OIF.
Need for Resources: The study emphasizes the need for healthcare personnel near the battlefield to treat these injuries.

Furthermore, the study revealed variations in injury rates across different branches of the military. The Army consistently showed the highest number of injuries. The Marine Corps experienced the highest incidences during the initial stages of OIF and during the troop surge in OEF. Understanding these patterns is crucial for tailoring resources and support to the specific needs of each service branch.

Looking Ahead: Enhancing Care and Support for Military Personnel

The findings of this study serve as a call to action. It underscores the need for increased attention to the oral and maxillofacial health of military personnel. Improved surveillance, more specialized medical training, and enhanced access to care are crucial steps. By acknowledging the hidden scars of war and providing comprehensive support, we can honor the sacrifices of our service members and help them rebuild their lives after their deployments.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.7205/milmed-d-16-00117, Alternate LINK

Title: Oral–Maxillofacial Injury Surveillance Of U.S. Military Personnel In Iraq And Afghanistan, 2001 To 2014

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Military Medicine

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Authors: Timothy A. Mitchener, Rodney Chan, John W. Simecek

Published: 2017-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What types of oral and maxillofacial injuries were prevalent among U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan, and what impact did these injuries have on their overall health and well-being?

Oral and maxillofacial injuries, which include damage to the face, jaw, and mouth, were significant among U.S. military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. These injuries often required extensive medical attention and could have lasting consequences on the service members' overall health and well-being. While the specific types of injuries are not exhaustively detailed here, the article highlights that these injuries represented a substantial portion of battle injuries treated in-theater, underlining the risks faced by service members and the critical need for specialized medical care. The data regarding specific injuries was compiled from the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DoDTR).

Which branches of the U.S. military experienced the highest rates of oral and maxillofacial injuries during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and why is this information important?

The U.S. Army consistently had the highest number of oral and maxillofacial injuries. The Marine Corps experienced the highest injury rates during the initial stages of OIF and during the troop surge in OEF. This information is crucial for tailoring resources and support to the specific needs of each service branch. Understanding these patterns helps in planning and resource allocation to mitigate risks and provide appropriate care.

How significant were cranial and oral-maxillofacial injuries in relation to other battle injuries during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)?

Cranial and oral-maxillofacial injuries accounted for a substantial portion—33%—of all military visits to in-theater medical facilities for battle injuries during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). This signifies the critical need for healthcare personnel near the battlefield to treat these injuries.

What implications does the high incidence of oral and maxillofacial injuries have for the healthcare resources and training needed for military medical personnel?

The high incidence of oral and maxillofacial injuries underscores the need for increased attention to the oral and maxillofacial health of military personnel. Improved surveillance, more specialized medical training, and enhanced access to care are crucial steps. It suggests that military medical personnel require more specialized training to effectively manage and treat these specific types of injuries. Furthermore, there is a need for healthcare personnel near the battlefield. Enhanced access to care post-deployment is also critical for addressing long-term issues.

What are some key steps that can be taken to enhance care and support for military personnel who have sustained oral and maxillofacial injuries during deployment?

Several key steps can enhance care and support for military personnel. These include improved surveillance to better track and understand the prevalence and nature of these injuries, more specialized medical training for healthcare personnel to ensure they are equipped to treat these specific injuries effectively, and enhanced access to care, both during deployment and upon return home. Additionally, comprehensive support systems should be in place to address not only the physical but also the psychological impact of these injuries, helping service members rebuild their lives after their deployments.