This document discusses the role of pediatric dentistry in preventing traumatic injuries from sports. It notes that childhood and adolescence is a high risk time for oral trauma, with two peaks in injuries when children start walking and playing sports. Over a third of injuries are from sports activities. The document recommends that dentists evaluate a child's risk of injury from extracurricular activities and sports through health history questions. Dentists should also examine the soft tissues and teeth to check for signs of past trauma. The use of custom-fitted mouth guards is encouraged, especially for contact sports, to help prevent dental injuries.

1. Prevention In Sports
Dentistry
Mohamed Hassan

2. Prevention Of Trauma & sports
Dentistry
• Pediatric Dentistry plays a major role in growth,
development and the well being of children from 6
month to 18yrs.
• This should include prevention of traumatic
injuries as a part of anticipatory guidance
• Traumatic injuries including motor vehicle
accidents, home accidents, sports injuries and
child abuse.

3. Prevention Of Trauma & sports
Dentistry
• Epidemiology:
• Childhood and adolescents are at high risk of
oral trauma compromising 80% of all traumatic
injuries
• The prevalence of traumatic injuries in the 0-6
year segment varies from 11% to 30%

4. Prevention Of Trauma & sports
Dentistry
• Epidemiology:
– First peak when children start walking
– Second Peak when children start sports activity
• Out of 3613 patients:
– (38%) activity of daily life
– (31%) sports
– (12%) violence
– (12%) traffic accidents
– (5%) work accidents
– (2%) other causes

5. Prevention Of Trauma & sports
Dentistry
In Saudi Arabia:
• The prevalence of dental trauma in 354 Saudi
boys aged 5–6 years was 33%
• The prevalence of dental trauma in 862 12–14year-old boys was 34%
• between the increased overjet (>6 mm) and the
occurrence of dental trauma in the permanent
dentition was reported.

6. Prevention Of Trauma & sports
Dentistry
• History & Physical:
• The dentist must ask questions regarding
extracurricular activity.
• Questions on sport participation should be
included in the questionnaire
• Contact sports have an increased risk of causing
facial traumatic injuries

7. Prevention Of Trauma & sports
Dentistry
• Certain children may not be able to handle sports due
to psychological or physical development
• Certain conditions may restrain children from
participating in sports (i.e. Infectious mononucleosis)

8. • Athletes in sports such as boxing and gymnastics may
have abnormal eating habits
• These habits can lead to systemic disease
• Hypoglycemia common in these athletes due to
fasting and vomiting habits
• Female athletes may show signs of bulimia and
anorexia.
• Some athletes may want to gain weight ( football
players, Sumo wrestlers) and use wrong diets or
supplements
• Sports drinks contain electrolytes and high content of
carbohydrates and are CARIOGENIC

9. Prevention Of Trauma & sports
Dentistry
• Intra Oral Assessment:
• Examination should include:
1. Soft tissue: look for changes such as
– Luekoplakia (chewing tobacco)
– Signs of trauma or injury
– Periodontal disease

10. • The alveolar bone in children is softer and less
dense.
• Traumatic injuries in primary dentition are
usually of avulsion or intrusion types.
• Traumatic injuries in primary dentition can lead
to damage to the developing permanent tooth
bud
• With age trauma usually will lead to fracture of
alveolar bone and teeth
• In young permanent teeth, pulp exposure more
common
• Every attempt should be made to preserve
vitality of young permanent teeth

11. Prevention Of Trauma & sports
Dentistry
Prevention:
• Prevention begins with preparedness
• Home proofing
• Protective wear
• Seat belt and baby seats
• Mouth guard

12. • Mouth guard: mouth guards should be worn by
anyone playing a sport where chances of injury are
present
• AAPD recommendations: Mandatory protective
equipment, Mouth guard for contact and collision
sports, dentist consult prior to start of season
Type of Mouth guard:
1. Ready made
2. Boil and Bite
3. Custom made (vacuum formed)
4. Custom made (pressure laminated)