[Prevalence of oro-dental injuries in wrestling in Senegal]

Odontostomatol Trop. 2008 Mar;31(121):29-35.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Wrestling is a sport that is deeply-rooted in Senegalese cultural values. It is a popular sport that comes from local traditions but that has been influenced by boxing. This influence has made wrestling evolve to include the practice of boxing without gloves. Howeve, this practice causes many traumas in the mouth and teeth. The general objective of this study is to determine the frequency of the traumas among wrestlers who practice this form of wrestling associated with boxing. The specific objectives are to appreciate the bucco-dental conditions of the wrestlers, to evaluate the frequency and nature of the traumas in the intention to make recommendations and offer perspectives. 63.2% of wrestlers have at least presented a buckle or dental trauma. 28.8% of bucco-dental traumas occur among young wrestlers between 25 and 30 years and, 22.4% relate to the group between 19 and 24 years. 24.8% of bucco-dental traumas occur among wrestlers of the first category, followed by these of the second category with 21.6%, the fourth category with the lowest rate, 4% being last. It has been noted that 60% of buck-dental traumas occur in championship matches. 77.2% of dental and bucco traumas affect the upper jaw while. 22.8% affect the lower jaw. Affect teeth are often the group incisivo-canin. The National committee for the Management of wrestling in Senegal should make mandation the wearing of adapted gloves to attenuate the impact of blows. The Committee could also ban the inclusion of boxing practices in traditional wrestling and make compulsory the wearing of teeth protect in devices to minimize cases of bucco-dental traumas.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Gloves, Protective / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maxillofacial Injuries / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth / injuries*
  • Mouth Protectors / statistics & numerical data
  • Senegal
  • Tooth Injuries / etiology*
  • Wrestling / classification
  • Wrestling / injuries*