Traumatic Dental Injuries in Youth Basketball players: A Cross-Sectional Study of Awareness, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices in Damascus, Syria

Abstract

Background and Objective: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a significant public health concern, particularly among youth engaged in contact sports such as basketball. Despite the availability of preventive measures like mouthguards, awareness and usage remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of TDIs, knowledge of emergency management, and awareness and use of mouthguards among youth basketball players in Damascus, Syria.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 95 registered youth basketball players aged 7–16 years. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire covering demographics, trauma history, first-aid knowledge, and mouthguard practices. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify associations and predictors.

Results: Over half of the participants (59%) reported experiencing dental trauma, with tooth fractures and concussions being the most common. Knowledge of emergency management was generally poor; only 28.4% were aware of the importance of immediate tooth replantation, and 48.4% selected inappropriate transport media. Mouthguard use was low (24.2%), with barriers including discomfort, lack of trainer encouragement, and social stigma. Gender and years of basketball experience were significant predictors of trauma risk, with female players and those with >5 years of experience showing higher odds.

Conclusions: The findings highlight insufficient awareness and preventive practices regarding TDIs among Syrian youth basketball players. Targeted educational programs and broader engagement of coaches and parents are essential to improve emergency preparedness and promote consistent   mouthguard use.