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Müller KE, Persic R et al. Dent Traumatol 2008; 24: 522–527

The aim of this study was to determine the experience of dental injuries in 473 mountain bikers. This group included 50 'junior' participants. Only 5.7% of those studied had experienced a dental injury, with the majority comprising fractures of the crowns of the teeth. However, over one half of the total group had sustained injuries elsewhere, including the head and neck. Less than 1% of the subjects had experienced tooth avulsion. The authors argued it was 'disturbing' that only 6.3% of all subjects were aware of Dentosafe®, a tooth rescue kit. Surprisingly, junior participants 'experienced more dental trauma than amateurs or professionals'. Explanations for this finding are that either this activity has become more aggressive or professionals are not able to recall earlier dental trauma. Only 4.4% of participants used mouthguards and urged the 'use of mouthguards should be enforced'. When considering helmets, those without jaw protection were used more commonly.