Mouthguard: A Device for Prevention of Dental Trauma Injury in Visually Impaired Individuals

1,4-6Postgraduate Resident, 2Assistant Professor, 3Reader 1,3-5Department of Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry, Hitkarini Dental College & Hospital, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India 2Department of Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry, Buraydah Private College, Buraydah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 1,3-5Oral Medicine and Radiology, Hitkarini Dental College & Hospital, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India Corresponding Author: Sommyta Kathal, Postgraduate Resident, Department of Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry Hitkarini Dental College & Hospital, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh India, e-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of dental trauma in visually impaired children before and after using mouthguard. Materials and methods: A total of 52 visually impaired children of the age group of 7 to 16 years were selected. A proforma was used to collect data on routine physical activities, and intraoral examination was done. At the end of 1-year follow-up, questionnaire was repeated, which includes the number of children wearing mouthguard and preventing from further traumatic dental injuries. Out of 52 children, 28 wore mouthguards and only 3 children had newer incidence of trauma. The remaining 25 children were prevented from further dental trauma. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: The result showed was statistically nonsignificant, but the incidence of dental trauma was reduced after the use of mouthguard. Conclusion: Mouthguard had proven to be an effective device for prevention of dental traumatic injuries in visually impaired children. Further studies are required to assess the problems encountered while wearing mouthguard during physical activities. Implication: Traumatic dental injury is the most common problem faced by visually impaired children. Using the protective device and its awareness of wearing can reduce the prevalence of dental trauma in visually impaired children.