Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Safety of Play Equipment and Surfaces for Children in Playgrounds in Relation to Dental Trauma

Esber Caglar, Senem Selvi Kuvvetli, Nuket Sandalli

Playgrounds provide a recreational refuge for children, away from traffic and other outdoor hazards. If applying standards can identify unsafe playgrounds and, more importantly, reduce the rate of child injury, such standards would be a useful tool for school and municipal authorities responsible for playgrounds. The aims of this paper are to review current standards and to evaluate compliance with these standards as far as the safety of play equipment and surfaces for children in playgrounds related to dental trauma is concerned. It is concluded that paediatric dentists and paediatricians should inform patients, guardians, and local authorities regarding guidelines for safe playgrounds.