Prevalence of Dental Trauma in Para-Pan American Games Athletes

Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional epidemiological survey was to assess the prevalence of dental trauma in athletes competing at the most recent Para-Pan American Games (PARAPAN) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2007.

Methods: The study was approved by the appropriate institutional review board. The examiners participated in standardization and calibration training sessions before the field phase began. Invitations were sent to over 1,300 participating athletes and to the Medical Committee of the Para-Pan American Sports Organization before and during the Games. A convenient sample of 121 athletes, mean age of 32.5 ± 9.5 years, with 79.2% males, was recruited. After signing an informed consent, all athletes answered a questionnaire. Data were collected at the clinical examination and were recorded on a specific form, according to the Ellis classification.

Results: Fifty-seven athletes (47.5%) reported previous dental trauma; however, only 15 athletes had injuries that were related directly to activities during training or competition. The table describes the occurrence by each sport. The most common injury was enamel fracture. The most affected teeth were the upper central incisors (N=19 affected teeth), followed by the upper lateral incisors (N=6).

Sport	Number of Examined Athletes	Number of Athletes with Dental Trauma Directly Related to Sports Activities
Track and Field	51	4
Basketball	6	2
Soccer	12	2
Judo	4	3
Weightlifting	20	1
Swimming	11	2
Table Tennis	8	1
Volleyball	9	0

Conclusion: The prevalence of dental trauma among the athletes examined at the III PARAPAN of 2007 warrants a recommendation for use of mouthguards and other protective measures.