Dental trauma on ski slopes.

Objectives: Skiing and snow-boarding are winter sports with risk of dental trauma. The aim of the present study was to investigate the use of protective gear and the occurrence of dental trauma in amateur winter sports on ski slopes.

Materials and methods: A total of 500 skiers and snowboarders (345 skiers, 110 snow-boarders, and 45 who rode both) were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire during one winter season (from January to April 2008). Sustained injuries and use of protective gear (including mouthguards) were assessed.

Results: Of the 500 interviewed, eleven (9 m, 2 f; 2.2%) had sustained dental trauma while skiing or snowboarding. Frequent riders were most susceptible to dental trauma (p < 0.001). 165 (33%) have sustained a skiing or snow- boarding accident at least once, males more often than females (p = 0.031). Protective gear was used by 337 (67.4%), helmet, back and wrist protectors being worn most often. Snow-boarders were generally protected best (p < 0.001). All riders who had sustained an accident (n = 124; 75.1%) wore protective gear at the time of the interview (p = 0.009). Only two of eleven who had sustained dental trauma wear a mouthguard now for winter sports.

Conclusion: The results show that skiing and snowboarding pose only a small risk for dental trauma.