Adolescents are at increased risk for trauma to the mouth and teeth because of their active lifestyle and increased risk-taking behaviors. Oral and facial trauma can occur secondary to falls, violence, athletics, or motor vehicle and other accidents.
Risk Factors for Oral Trauma
Children with compromised protective reflexes or poor coordination (eg, children with special health care needs)
Lack of use of protective face and mouth gear for athletes
Substance abuse (by the adolescent or within the family)
Child abuse or neglect
Malocclusion: An abnormality in the coming together of teeth.
Pediatricians should routinely ask about sports participation and provide appropriate oral injury prevention and management guidance. (See Chapter 10: Oral Injury.)
