Dental Trauma Prevalence and Mouthguard Use Among 9–18‐Year‐Old Contact Sport Athletes in Nantong, China: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background/Aim This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sports‐related traumatic dental injuries ( SRTIs ), mouthguard ( MG ) utilization, dental trauma emergency knowledge, and associated influencing factors among adolescents participating in contact sports in Nantong, eastern China. Materials and Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 450 adolescents aged 9–18 years, recruited via multistage random sampling from 12 urban schools. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and standardized clinical oral examinations. Regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors associated with SRTI occurrence and MG use. Results The 12‐month prevalence of sports‐related traumatic injuries (SRTI) was 35.11% (95% CI = 30.74–39.74). Only 15.11% of participants reported MG use, and widespread deficits in dental trauma emergency knowledge were observed across the sample. The primary clinically relevant finding was that basketball and soccer participation were independently linked to a more than 2‐fold higher risk of SRTI, while correct emergency knowledge was independently associated with a markedly reduced odds of SRTI. We also identified that coach recommendations, correct emergency literacy, and private/international school attendance were key independent predictors of higher mouthguard utilization. Conclusion Participants in adolescent contact sports in Nantong experience a considerable burden of SRTIs, characterized by low MG utilization and insufficient emergency knowledge. Targeted interventions including coach‐led safety education, standardized emergency training, and improved access to mouthguards are warranted to mitigate SRTI risk in this vulnerable population.