Dental Injuries on Garden Trampolines

Abstract

Garden trampolines are very popular in Switzerland. Most trampoline related accidents result in fractures and soft tissue injuries of the extremities. While these types of injuries have been well investigated in numerous studies, there has been no study on dental injuries on trampolines. The aim of the present study was to investi-gate dental accidents on garden trampolines in Switzerland and to analyze possi-ble influencing factors.Data collection was carried out by analyzing aerial photographs and a questionnaire-based survey. Out of 1212 questionnaires sent out, 637 could be included in the study. The data were evaluated in terms of accident, type of trampoline (in-ground or onground), and whether a safety net was present.A total of 105 trampoline accidents (16.5%) occurred, of which 23 were dental inju-ries (23.2%). 39.1% (n=9) were tooth fractures, 30.4% (n=7) were concussions, 17.4% (n=4) were avulsions, and 13.0% (n=3) were dislocation injuries. Teeth were predominantly impacted on the trampoline frame (26.2%, n=6) or on a person’s own knee (26%, n=6). Dental accidents occurred 3.6 times more frequently when the trampoline was used by more than one person at a time. Dental accidents occurred 2.4 times more frequently on inground trampolines than on onground trampolines. Statistically, only the diameter of the trampoline had an influence on the frequency of accidents: Larger trampolines led more frequently to accidents.The present study showed that trampolining poses a risk of dental injury like other sports such as kick scooter or skiing. It is therefore important to increase parental and public awareness regarding the potential dangers of trampoline use.