A rubber-covered ceramic weapon reduces the incidence of dental trauma in recruits during combat basic training

Mil Med. 2011 Oct;176(10):1117-9. doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-09-00273.

Abstract

The effect of a rubber-covered ceramic weapon was assessed on the incidence of dental trauma during basic training, since soldiers are more at risk of impact from a personal weapon. Dental files of soldiers (n = 4,542), who completed 8 months of training during 2008, were analyzed for incidence and type of dental trauma from a personal weapon. A rubber-covered ceramic weapon (n = 2,972) or a conventional one (n = 1,570, control) was used. Dental trauma was 0.4% per 8 months (0.6% per year) from the ceramic weapon and 1.5% per 8 months (2.3% per year) from the conventional one (p<0.001). The most prevalent type of injury was a simple/noncomplicated crown fracture (82% in study group, 75% in control group). The ceramic weapon significantly reduced dental trauma by diminishing the impact while in direct contact with the teeth or by absorbing and/or distributing the impact force. In conclusion, when possible a rubber-covered ceramic weapon should be preferred for basic combat training.

MeSH terms

  • Ceramics
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Israel / epidemiology
  • Military Personnel / education*
  • Military Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Physical Education and Training*
  • Rubber
  • Tooth Avulsion / epidemiology
  • Tooth Avulsion / etiology
  • Tooth Avulsion / prevention & control
  • Tooth Fractures / epidemiology
  • Tooth Fractures / etiology
  • Tooth Fractures / prevention & control
  • Tooth Injuries / epidemiology
  • Tooth Injuries / etiology*
  • Tooth Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Weapons*

Substances

  • Rubber