Sports Cult in Hyderabad: Role of a Pedodontist in Protecting Winning Smile.

Aim And Objective: To assess dental trauma, level of knowledge of participants about the preventive measures, and management of traumatic dental injuries during sports in children aged 6-15 years in private sports academies in Hyderabad.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 317 children aged 6-15 years and 25 coaches by a structured questionnaire to assess the prevalence of dental trauma during sports followed by an awareness program on prevention. Data obtained were analyzed.

Results: Twenty-two percent (76) of children reported an incidence of dental injuries. Thirty-five percent (111) of children were aware that reimplantation was possible. Forty-three percent (139) of children knew that mouthguards can prevent orofacial injuries, but none are using them. Seventy-six percent (19) coaches would refer the child to a general physician in cases of reported trauma.

Conclusion: In our study, most of the children and coaches lack awareness about sports-related dental injuries, their prevention, and initial management. None of the children were using mouthguards. Pediatric dentists should conduct programs at schools/sports academies to spread knowledge and awareness about sports-related dental injuries. Further studies are required in this aspect with a larger sample size.

How To Cite This Article: Pranitha V, Mounika PBN, Dwijendra SK, Sports Cult in Hyderabad: Role of a Pedodontist in Protecting Winning Smile. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):652-656.