Abstract
ObjectiveTo identify Muay Thai participants’ attitudes towards use of mouth guards and their experiences of dental trauma.Materials and methodsAn online cross-sectional survey was used to record Muay Thai participants’ experiences and opinions regarding use of mouth guards. Participants were recruited from a Muay Thai gym in the north east of England.Results92 respondents took part in the survey. 3% reported having never worn a mouth guard, whereas 61% reported routinely wearing mouth guards during a fight. Significantly more (73%) younger participants (18–29 years) reported wearing mouth guards during fights compared to those aged 30 years and older (50%) (p < 0.05). Mouth-formed (‘boil and bite’) were the most frequently used type of mouth guard (60% of users), followed by custom-made mouth guards provided by a dentist (32%). Factors such as protection, breathing, good fit and comfort were all considered important in the choice of mouth guard. 14% of respondents had experienced dental injuries, with chipped/broken teeth being the most common.ConclusionGiven the risk for dental trauma in Muay Thai, it is important that participants are advised regarding mouth guard use, particularly those that do not routinely wear them.
Highlights
Muay Thai is an aggressive and high risk contact sport, a physical and mental discipline which involves fighting with fists, feet, knees and elbows
It has been shown that head and facial injuries were the second most common types of injury among amateur and professional Muay Thai participants, and the nature or severity of injury may depend on the ability level of the individual.[2]
It is possible that the use of mouth guards in the present study had helped to prevent dental trauma, resulting in a lower rate compared to previous studies, though we consider that even a lower rate of dental trauma is still too high, if it might have been preventable
Summary
Muay Thai is an aggressive and high risk contact sport, a physical and mental discipline which involves fighting with fists, feet, knees and elbows It is rapidly increasing in popularity, with an estimated one million participants worldwide, and in the UK alone there are more than 120 nationally registered Muay Thai gyms with an estimated 10,000 participants.[1] It has been shown that head and facial injuries were the second most common types of injury among amateur and professional Muay Thai participants, and the nature or severity of injury may depend on the ability level of the individual.[2] A mouth guard is a recommended piece of equipment for protecting the mouth when participating in a contact sport such as Muay Thai.[3] Mouth guards help protect from an impact that could potentially cause dental trauma, oral soft tissue injuries, bone fractures or dislocation, or lacerations to the lips.[4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
