Dental trauma and level of information: Mouthguard use in different contact sports. Paper published in Dental Traumatology in partnership with Prof. Dr. João Marcelo F. de Medeiros (USF).
Translation of the abstract:
Abstract ^ The objective of the present work was to study the occurrence of dental trauma in different sports, as well as to verify whether the athletes wore mouthguards during sports activities and knew the beginning of their use. Professional and semi-professional athletes who practiced contact sports were interviewed, and were analyzed to determine the occurrence of dental trauma during sports practice, as well as whether the athletes wore mouthguards and knew their indication. The results showed a high rate of dental trauma in athletes compared to the general population.
Most athletes also showed little use of mouthguards, despite information about their use during sports practice and a general knowledge of their uses.
Conclusions
Based on the results and the discussion, it is possible to conclude that:
1 Groups of athletes with the highest rates of trauma were jiu-jitsu, handball and basketball
2 In the modality of martial arts groups of athletes proved to be highly informed about mouth protection, although such equipment was little used by them.
3 Awareness of the importance of mouthguards did not result in their use by athletes, except for field hockey.
4 Coaches, dentists and parents should help athletes understand the need to wear a mouthguard during sports activities.
