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, et al. Sports Cult in Hyderabad: Role of a Pedodontist in Protecting Winning Smile. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):652–656.