Prevalence and risk factors of orofacial trauma among child and adolescent athletes in Damascus, Syria: a cross-sectional study

Participation in sports among children and adolescents is increasing globally, accompanied by a rising incidence of orofacial dental trauma. However, limited data exist on this public health issue in Syria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of dental and facial trauma among young athletes in Damascus, Syria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 445 athletes aged 6–16 years, selected through multistage cluster sampling from eleven sports clubs in Damascus. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire and clinical examinations based on World Health Organization guidelines. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between ODT and demographic, sport-specific, and behavioral variables. The prevalence of orofacial dental trauma was 47.4%. Contact sports such as football and basketball showed a higher rate of trauma, while gymnastics and karate had lower rates. Higher risk of orofacial dental trauma was significantly associated with increased training session frequency (OR = 9.121, 95% CI: 3.088–26.942), longer experience years of more than five years (OR = 28.159, 95% CI: 10.270–77.211) (P < 0.001). The use of protective equipment was low, with only 33.9% of athletes reporting any use. However, wearing mouthguards was significantly associated with reduced risk of orofacial dental trauma (OR = 0.286, 95% CI: 0.141–0.577, P < 0.004). The high prevalence of orofacial dental trauma (47.4%) among young athletes in Damascus, influenced by sport type, years of experience, training session frequency, and inconsistent use of protective gear, underscores the urgent need for preventive strategies. These include enforcing mandatory protective equipment policies, implementing educational programs, and conducting regular oral health screenings in sports settings. The findings provide a foundation for future research and policy development aimed at reducing oral injuries in youth sports.