ABSTRACT
The study investigated etiological factors and the prevalence of orofacial lesions in surfers professionals and amateurs in Fortaleza, Brazil. A questionnaire was applied to 150 male surfers and statistical tests (Chi-square and Student t) were used with significance level p <0.05. In 56%, there was some orofacial lesion. Lip and face burns, mucosal laceration and dental fracture were the most prevalent. Comparing competitive surfers with non-competitors there was significance between the occurrence of rock bottom injuries (p=0.032) and surfboard (p=0.003) and greater presence of injuries among competitors (p=0.003). It is concluded that dental fractures and facial and lip burns are prevalent in surfers and that there is a greater chance of occurrence of injuries the greater the age and the time of practice of them.
Keywords:
Dentistry; Sport; Athletic injuries; Mouth
