Citation

Aljohani YR, Alfaifi KH, Redwan SK, Sabbahi DA, Zahran MH. Saudi Med. J. 2017; 38(11): 1143-1147.

Affiliation

Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail. yazan.aljohani@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Riyadh Al-Kharj Hospital Programme)

DOI

10.15537/smj.2017.11.21111

PMID

29114704

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence and awareness of taekwondo athletes in Saudi Arabia regarding oral and maxillofacial (OMF) injuries and their prevention. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire about the incidence and awareness of OMF injuries and their prevention was developed and distributed to taekwondo athletes in Saudi Arabia via their coaches.  Results: Sixty-eight responses were collected. The mean age of the participants was 29.3±9.1 years and 97% of them were males. Most of the participants (83%) believed that they are vulnerable to OMF injuries during practice. Approximately 23% of the participants reported a previous injury of the OMF area, while approximately 56% reported injuries in other areas. Most dental injuries (94%) were tooth fracture or displacement, while 6% were tooth avulsion. Eight participants (12%) were aware of the possibility of returning an avulsed tooth to its socket. More than 50% of those participants had inadequate knowledge on the appropriate storage media for the avulsed tooth or the maximum time allowed to return it to its socket. Eighty-one percent of the participants knew about the mouthguard, while 56% reported that they are actually using one. The most frequently reported barriers for not using a mouthguard during practice were difficulty in practicing with it, not being convinced of its importance, and lack of information where to get one. Conclusions: Most of the participants are aware of OMF injuries; however, their knowledge and behavior towards preventing and managing them are inadequate.

Language: en