Risk, frequency, and prevention of facial and dental injuries in racket sports

Kacper Kmieciak; Klaudia Borycka; Anna Hajduk; Jagoda Stańska; Aleksandra Baranowska; Aleksandra Dobrzańska; Piotr Szymański; Maria Berek; Aleksandra Szymańska; Filip Kostanek

doi:10.12775/QS.2026.69.74624

Authors

Kacper Kmieciak csk łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2703-2538
Klaudia Borycka Institute of Dentistry of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0006-7813
Anna Hajduk Medical University of Lodz, ul. Kościuszki 4 90-419 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1570-0608
Jagoda Stańska Institute of Dentistry of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4861-2856
Aleksandra Baranowska Institute of Dentistry of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0373-7577
Aleksandra Dobrzańska Institute of Dentistry of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4694-793X
Piotr Szymański Medical University of Lodz, ul. Kościuszki 4 90-419 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2891-640X
Maria Berek Institute of Dentistry of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2613-1123
Aleksandra Szymańska Medical University of Lodz, ul. Kościuszki 4 90-419 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2122-7522
Filip Kostanek Medical University of Lodz, ul. Kościuszki 4 90-419 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0243-5219

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.69.74624

Keywords

racquet sports, head injury, dental injury, tennis, badminton, table tennis, squash, padel, eye injury, mouthguards

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Racket sports are experiencing unprecedented global growth, encompassing traditional disciplines (e.g., tennis with 106 million players; squash showing a 47% growth from 2013–2018 and an upcoming debut in the 2028 Olympics) and rapidly expanding modern variants like padel. Supported by widespread club networks, participation now spans all demographics and fitness levels. While regular play delivers major cardiovascular, mental, and social health benefits, its high-intensity dynamic nature—characterized by rapid changes of direction and high-velocity impacts—has led to a surge in injuries, including musculoskeletal strains, dental trauma, and severe ocular injuries.

Aim: Assess the impact of racket sports on the occurrence of maxillofacial injuries. Analyze player awareness regarding the risks of these specific injuries. Evaluate the effectiveness of current protective measures in preventing long-term complications, such as vision loss or chronic dental issues.

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Risk, frequency, and prevention of facial and dental injuries in racket sports

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