Prevalence and Outcomes of Dental Trauma in Sports-Related Injuries in the Last 2 Years

Sports-related dental trauma is a prevalent issue among children and adolescents, particularly in contact sports such as football and basketball. Such injuries often result in aesthetic, functional, and psychological consequences, necessitating prompt treatment for optimal outcomes.

This retrospective study analyzed 100 cases of sports-related dental trauma treated in the last 2 years. Data regarding the type of sport, nature of the injury, treatment timing, and outcomes were collected and analyzed using SPSS software. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to evaluate the prevalence and types of injuries, while logistic regression assessed the impact of treatment timing on outcomes.

The majority of injuries occurred in males (70%), with the highest prevalence observed in the 6-10 years age group (40%). Contact sports, such as football (40%) and basketball (30%), were the leading contributors to dental trauma. Tooth fractures (50%) were the most common injury, followed by avulsions (30%). Treatment outcomes varied significantly based on timing: immediate intervention within 30 min resulted in an 80% success rate, while delayed treatment (1-24 hours) showed a 50% success rate. Late treatment beyond 24 h had a success rate of only 20%.

Dental trauma in sports remains a significant concern, with contact sports posing the highest risk. Prompt treatment is essential to minimize complications and ensure favorable outcomes. Preventive measures, including the use of mouthguards and education on emergency dental care, are critical to reducing the prevalence and severity of such injuries.