Abstract

Information concerning the number and types of dental injuries occurring in college and university level female athletes as a result of participation in a variety of sports is notably lacking. Athletic trainers at 726 institutions were asked to report dental injuries occurring in their female athletes during the 1987-88 academic year. Dental injuries occurring in basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, field hockey and lacrosse participants were classified and reported by 389 respondents. Basketball had the highest dental injury rate followed by soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball and softball. Mouthguard use reduced oral injuries, however, they appeared to be more effective in reducing dental (tooth) injuries than soft tissue injuries. Dental injury rates for all six sports exceeded that commonly reported for football. Field hockey and lacrosse, sports where mouthguard use is required, still pose significant risk for the participaant. The basketball injury rate was significantly higher than that in the other five sports. Soccer and field hockey injury rates were significantly higher than those for volleyball and softball. The results from the survey support the recommendation to wear a mouth protector while participating in sports whether or not mandated by rules. Verf.-Referat