Year: 2026 | Month: June | Volume: 16 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 211-218
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260624
Prevalence and Pattern of Sports-Related Dental Trauma among Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Isha Rastogi
Dental Professor, Department of Dental Sciences, Dr. KNS Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India.
ABSTRACT
Background: Sports-related dental trauma (SRDT) is a preventable yet under-addressed public health concern among athletes, particularly in contact sports. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, patterns, associated factors, mouthguard usage and emergency-care awareness of SRDT among athletes in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2025 at two sports academies and university departments in Kanpur and Lucknow. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 115 athletes; 80 completed responses (70.0% response rate) were analyzed. Data included socio-demographics, sport type, history and pattern of SRDT, mouthguard use and awareness of emergency management. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26.0, and chi-square test was applied at p < 0.05.
Results: The estimated mean age of participants, based on grouped age distribution, was 24.6±5.2 years. Of the 80 athletes, 53 (66.3%) were males, 27 (33.7%) were females, 52 (65.0%) participated in contact sports and 28 (35.0%) participated in non-contact sports. The overall prevalence of SRDT was 32.5% (26/80). Prevalence was significantly higher among males than females (39.6% vs. 18.5%; χ² = 4.85, p = 0.028) and among contact-sport athletes than non-contact-sport athletes (42.3% vs. 14.3%; χ² = 5.67, p = 0.017). Crown fractures were the most common injury (14/26, 53.8%), predominantly affecting maxillary central incisors (18/26, 69.2%) and occurring during competition (20/26, 76.9%). Regular mouthguard use was reported by only 12 athletes (15.0%), while 50 (62.5%) never used a mouthguard. Only 11 athletes (13.8%) were aware of the 30-minute critical window for avulsed tooth replantation.
Conclusion: SRDT affects nearly one-third of athletes in this cohort, with crown fractures being predominant in contact sports. Alarmingly low mouthguard utilization and emergency-care awareness highlight the urgent need for mandatory protective-equipment policies and targeted educational programs by sports organizations and dental professionals.
Key words: sports-related dental trauma, prevalence, athletes, cross-sectional study, mouthguard, crown fracture, Uttar Pradesh