Bicycle helmets--does the dental profession have a role in promoting their use?
OBJECTIVE
To review the available literature regarding the: epidemiology of bicycle related head injuries; consequences of head injuries; rates of cycle helmet use; impact of educational campaigns and legislation on usage rates; effectiveness of cycle helmets in protecting against head and facial injuries; arguments against the compulsory use of bicycle helmets.


METHODS
A computerised Medline search was conducted using the keywords: head injury, facial injury, bicycle helmets, accidents.


METHODS
All available information was considered.


RESULTS
Data was collated manually.


CONCLUSIONS
The wearing of bicycle helmets contributes significantly to the prevention of head injuries (HI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly in children and adolescents. There is evidence to support the role of cycle helmets in the prevention of injuries to the middle third of the face and some dental injuries. There is a case for the implementation of legislation accompanied by educational campaigns to increase significantly the use of cycle helmets. The dental profession could: play an active role in promoting cycle helmet use; support calls for the compulsory wearing of cycling helmets, particularly for children; press for modification of helmet design and standards to increase protection of the face.
Chapman
H R
HR
Paediatric Dentistry, 6 Woodlands Way, Southwater, Horsham, W Sussex RH13 9HZ, UK. helen.chapman@tesco.net
Curran
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AL
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling / Q000293:injuries*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003815:Dentists; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D000078329:Workforce