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10:42
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Summary
Parents and coaches share responsibility for mouthguard use. Despite high injury rates in sports like basketball and baseball, parents often don't perceive a need for mandatory mouthguards, suggesting targeted education is needed.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
Background:
- Youth sports participation is high, increasing risk of oral and facial injuries.
- Mouthguard use is a key preventive measure against sports-related dental trauma.
- Parental attitudes and perceptions significantly influence protective behaviors in child athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental perceptions regarding mouthguard use and responsibility in youth sports.
- To identify sports with high injury rates where mouthguard use is perceived as lacking.
- To inform strategies for promoting mandatory mouthguard policies in schools.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 1800 parents in Henrico County, VA public schools received an 11-item questionnaire.
- Questions covered responsibility for mouthguard wear, sports requiring mouthguards, and history of child's oral/facial injuries.
- Data analysis focused on parental responses regarding injury rates, perceived need, and policy recommendations.
Main Results:
- Parents view both parents and coaches as responsible for mouthguard enforcement.
- Basketball (19%), baseball (17%), and soccer (11%) reported the highest injury percentages.
- A significant lack of perceived need for mouthguards in these high-injury sports was noted.
- Parents were more likely to mandate mouthguards for sons, in contact sports, or after previous injury.
Conclusions:
- Parental and coaching involvement is crucial for promoting mouthguard use.
- Targeted educational initiatives for parents and coaches are recommended to increase mouthguard adoption in basketball, baseball, and soccer.
- Addressing the perceived need for mouthguards is essential for reducing sports-related oral injuries.
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