Self-reported experience of orofacial injury, preventive practice, and knowledge of Iranian adolescent martial art athletes towards sports-related orofacial injuries

Abstract

Background Increased engagement of adolescents in martial arts exposes them to a relatively high risk of experiencing orofacial injuries. We evaluated self-reported experience of orofacial injuries, preventive practice, and knowledge of management of sport-related orofacial injuries and related factors in adolescent Karate and Taekwondo athletes in Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on Iranian martial arts athletes including Karate and Taekwondo aged 11–17-year-old in 2020 via an online questionnaire. The anonymous self-administrated questionnaire had four parts: background (age, gender, duration of sports activity, training sessions per week, and previous education on orofacial injury); self-reported experience of orofacial injury; preventive practice including mouthguard and helmet use; and knowledge of emergency management of orofacial injuries. Preventive practice and knowledge scores were calculated by summing up the scores of corresponding questions (possibly range 0–7). A linear regression model and the Pearson correlation served for statistical analysis. Results Totally, 295 athletes with a mean age of 14.56 ± 1.91 years participated in the study. A quarter (n = 74, 25.1%) of athletes stated that they had received training on prevention of orofacial injuries. Only 3.7% (n = 11) of the participants reported the use of custom-made mouthguards, and 62% (n = 183) reported a positive history of orofacial injuries. A significant relationship existed between self-reported orofacial injury and age (β = − 0.32, p < 0.001), hours of training per week (β = 0.12, p = 0.037), type of sport (β = 0.11, p = 0.049), and previous training on orofacial injuries (β = − 0.14, p = 0.010). No difference existed in the history of orofacial injury between females (n = 114) and males (n = 69) (p = 0.374). The mean score of self-reported preventive practice and knowledge of management of orofacial injuries was 3.53 ± 1.82 (out of 7) and 1.67 ± 1.10 (out of 7), respectively. Age (β = 0.19, p = 0.002) and history of orofacial injury (β = − 0.15, p = 0.010) were associated with the score of self-reported preventive practice. Female athletes (β = 0.11, p = 0.048) and athletes who exercised more per week (β = 0.15, p = 0.012) had significantly more knowledge on management of orofacial injuries. Conclusion Adolescent athletes had relatively undesirable preventive practices and a distinct lack of knowledge. The high occurrence of self-reported orofacial injuries indicates the importance of more education and stricter rules for the athlete population.

Awareness of sports‐related dental emergencies and prevention practices among Libyan contact sports coaches: A cross‐sectional study

“… 8 , 21 , 29 However, the present study's findings are comparable to that of studies conducted in middle eastern countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. 24 , 30 Although avulsion was the least experienced injury, it is well known that it has the worst prognosis, and its early management plays a crucial role in treatment success. 10 Therefore, training efforts should be directed toward coaches to increase their awareness of the importance of early intervention and appropriate management of avulsed teeth.…”

“…In addition, previous studies have reported that a single lecture was not enough to train people on managing dental trauma emergencies. 30 , 31 Although this explanation remains an assumption that needs further study; it sheds light on the urgent need to develop educational and training programs to provide coaches and other groups with the knowledge and skills to avoid negative consequences.…”

Desenvolvimento, validação e avaliação da eficácia de um folheto educativo sobre protetores bucais para crianças e adolescentes – uma estratégia de prevenção aos traumatismos dentários durante a prática de esportes

“…A falta de conhecimento e a crença na ineficácia dos protetores bucais são razões para a falta de capacidade dos atletas em usar estes dispositivos 2,3,12 . Na literatura, alguns estudos incentivam educadores e profissionais de saúde a informar os esportistas sobre as formas disponíveis de prevenção de lesões 2,3,10,16 .…”

“…Crianças e adolescentes (C/A) são frequentemente afetados por lesões dentárias traumáticas (LDTs) e, no período de dentição mista, há uma alta incidência destas lesões [1][2][3] . As atividades esportivas são um importante fator etiológico das LDTs nos dentes permanentes anteriores.…”

“…As atividades esportivas são um importante fator etiológico das LDTs nos dentes permanentes anteriores. Considerando que as C/A estão passando cada vez mais tempo participando destas atividades, eles se tornam mais expostos a este fator de risco para essas lesões 1,3,4 . Deve ser levado em consideração que as LDTs podem causar sequelas além dos aspectos clínicos, influenciando negativamente a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal e nas relações sociais 5,6 .…”