Use Of Mouthguards Research Articles

Stress Distribution in Proclined Anterior Teeth of Pediatric Patients With and Without Mouthguard Use: A 3D Finite Element Analysis.

Traumatic dental injuries related to sports are a significant concern, as they can have severe physical and psychological impacts on children. Using mouthguards is essential, particularly in sports like skating, where high-impact forces are common. The study aimed to evaluate how stress is distributed on the teeth and surrounding bone in children with proclined anterior teeth when a force of 614.12 N was applied to two different regions of the jaws. The evaluation was conducted using finite element analysis (FEA), both with and without the use of a mouthguard. A 3-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) model was constructed using a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of a 12-year-old male patient. An average standardized force of 614.12 N was calculated, based on the average weight of children aged 11 to 13 years and the average speed of 13.4 m/s with which the children skate. The force was applied in two different directions and areas of the jaws: a lateral blow, perpendicular to the crown and root with the maxillary and mandibular teeth in occlusion (between the first molar and second premolar), and a blow obliquely at the pogonion point on the chin. Static simulations were then performed for four realistic scenarios-two with mouthguards and two without mouthguards. The Von Mises stresses were evaluated under all conditions. When the applied force was directed laterally, the stress values observed were 126.76 MPa with a mouthguard and 140 MPa without a mouthguard. When the force was applied to the chin region, the stress values were 37.997 MPa with a mouthguard and 40.67 MPa without a mouthguard. The use of a mouthguard in children is beneficial for protecting teeth and surrounding structures, especially in cases of proclined anterior teeth, as it helps dampen the generated stresses.

Traumatic Dental Injuries: Prevalence, First Aid, and Mouthguard Use in a Sample of Italian Kickboxing Athletes.

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a common complication in sports, with an overall prevalence ranging from 0.71% to 60%. Kickboxing is a high-risk combat sport for trauma to the facial region. A total of 142 5-to-65-year-old amateur athletes participated in the survey with a questionnaire that was released during their regular practice days. The questionnaire was structured into three parts: (1) questions about age, gender, type, and time of sports practice; (2) questions about dental injuries, personal experience, and awareness of emergency management, particularly about tooth avulsion; (3) questions about wearing a mouthguard for TDI prevention. A total of 13 percent of athletes suffered a TDI while training or fighting. Regarding first aid, 61% of the participants in this survey are aware of the possibility of replanting a tooth after its avulsion; 10% believe that the tooth should be replanted within 15 min, and 37% of athletes believe that it should be kept wet. The mouthguard is known to the majority of athletes (94%), and 66% were informed by the coach; 68% of the athletes use it. Seventy-four percent of the mouthguards were purchased in a sports shop. A relatively low prevalence of TDIs was observed in players in the sample. A lack of information about the emergency management of tooth avulsion and about the type of mouthguard to wear emphasizes the importance of educational training by dentists to athletes and coaches.

Smart mouthguards and contact sport: the data ethics dilemma

The use of smart mouthguards in contact sports like rugby aims to enhance player safety by providing real-time data on head impacts. These devices, equipped with sensors, measure collision force...

Evaluating the protective effects of mouthguards with neutralizing agents against chlorinated water-induced enamel erosion.

Dental erosion is a common problem among swimmers. This study evaluated the effects of mouthguard use with or without neutralizing agents, compared to no mouthguard use, on the microhardness of dental enamel after a swimming simulation. Ninety-six human premolars were randomly allocated into six groups of 16 each: Group A (no mouthguard), Group B (mouthguard only), Group C (mouthguard with fluoride toothpaste), Group D (mouthguard with fluoride-free toothpaste), Group E (mouthguard with CPP-ACP), and Group F (mouthguard with arginine-fluoride toothpaste). Enamel slabs were fixed in a wax model (Typodont Articulator) and used to fabricate mouthguards for all groups except Group A. Each specimen underwent cyclic immersion: 2 h in acidic chlorinated water (pH 3.1) followed by 22 h in artificial saliva, for 28 days, to simulate swimming exposure. The change in enamel surface hardness was measured using a Vickers hardness tester. All groups underwent microhardness testing, scanning electron microscopy, and polarized light microscopy. The enamel hardness significantly decreased in all groups after the swimming simulation (paired t-test, P-values < 0.001), except for Group F, which used a mouthguard with arginine-fluoride toothpaste [mean reduction: 17.9 kg/mm2, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.9, 37.7, P-value = 0.07]. Group A, without a mouthguard, exhibited the highest reduction in enamel surface hardness (mean: 190.6 kg/mm2; 95%CI: 177.4, 203.9), significantly differing from all other groups with mouthguards (P-values < 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in enamel hardness reduction among the mouthguard groups. SEM micrographs illustrated rough, irregular erosion patterns and several deep porous areas on enamel surfaces of Group A. In contrast, all mouthguard groups showed enamel surfaces similar to sound tooth surfaces. A polarized light microscopic study revealed the deepest dark areas on the enamel surface of Group A. Mouthguards significantly reduced enamel microhardness loss compared to no mouthguard use. While no significant differences were found among mouthguard groups with or without neutralizing agents, those lined with arginine-fluoride toothpaste showed the least enamel loss, suggesting its potential protective effect. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, further clinical trials are needed to validate these results.

Stress Distribution Pattern of a Calculated Standardized Force on Maxillary and Mandibular Jaws with Proclined Maxillary Anterior Teeth with and without the Use of Mouthguard: A 3D Finite Element Analysis.

To evaluate the stress distribution of calculated standardized force on maxillary and mandibular jaw bones with proclined maxillary anterior teeth with and without the use of a mouthguard. It's a finite element analysis (FEA) study. Maxillary and mandibular jaw models with and without mouthguard (4 mm) were created using a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of a 13-year-old male patient with proclined maxillary anterior teeth. Calculated standardized forces were applied on the maxillary central incisors in the horizontal direction of the created model. The von Mises stresses (MPa) were analyzed on the maxillary and mandibular jaw. Higher von Mises stresses were analyzed in the maxillary and mandibular jaw model without a mouthguard compared to the model with a mouthguard. Forces were more evenly distributed in the maxillary and mandibular jaw models with a mouthguard. A mouthguard can be used to reduce and evenly distribute the stress on the maxillary and mandibular jaw with proclined maxillary anterior teeth when exposed to real-life situation forces. The force of injury is influenced by the size of the object or the velocity at which the athlete hits the object/individual. There is a need to evaluate the force at which the individual athlete hits the object/surface based on average height, weight, and velocity/performance at that particular age. As the age of the athlete's advances, there is a change in the height, weight as well as performance. This factor will influence the impact and severity of the trauma caused during sports activities. So, these parameters should be considered while designing the mouthguard for its better effectiveness. Doiphode AR, Kalaskar R. Stress Distribution Pattern of a Calculated Standardized Force on Maxillary and Mandibular Jaws with Proclined Maxillary Anterior Teeth with and without the Use of Mouthguard: A 3D Finite Element Analysis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(S-1):S61-S66.

Concussions in ice hockey: mixed methods study including assessment of concussions on games missed and cap hit among National Hockey League players, systematic review, and concussion protocol analysis.

Concussions can occur at any level of ice hockey. Incidence estimates of concussions in ice hockey vary, and optimal prevention strategies and return-to-play (RTP) considerations have remained in evolution. The authors performed a mixed-methods study with the aim of elucidating the landscape of concussion in ice hockey and catalyzing initiatives to standardize preventative mechanisms and RTP considerations. The authors performed a five-part mixed-methods study that includes: 1) an analysis of the impact of concussions on games missed and income for National Hockey League (NHL) players using a publicly available database, 2) a systematic review of the incidence of concussion in ice hockey, 3) a systematic review of preventative strategies, 4) a systematic review of RTP, and 5) a policy review of documents from major governing bodies related to concussions in sports with a focus on ice hockey. The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were used for the systematic reviews and focused on any level of hockey. In the NHL, 689 players had 1054 concussions from the 2000-2001 to 2022-2023 seasons. A concussion led to a mean of 13.77 ± 19.23 (range 1-82) games missed during the same season. After cap hit per game data became available in 2008-2009, players missed 10,024 games due to 668 concussions (mean 15.13 ± 3.81 per concussion, range 8.81-22.60 per concussion), with a cap hit per game missed of $35,880.85 ± $25,010.48 (range $5792.68-$134,146.30). The total cap hit of all missed games was $385,960,790.00, equating to $577,635.91 per concussion and $25,724,052.70 per NHL season. On systematic review, the incidence of concussions was 0.54-1.18 per 1000 athlete-exposures. Prevention mechanisms involved education, behavioral and cognitive interventions, protective equipment, biomechanical studies, and policy/rule changes. Rules prohibiting body checking in youth players were most effective. Determination of RTP was variable. Concussion protocols from both North American governing bodies and two leagues mandated that a player suspected of having a concussion be removed from play and undergo a six-step RTP strategy. The 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport recommended the use of mouthguards for children and adolescents and disallowing body checking for all children and most levels of adolescents. Concussions in ice hockey lead to substantial missed time from play. The authors strongly encourage all hockey leagues to adopt and adhere to age-appropriate rules to limit hits to the head, increase compliance in wearing protective equipment, and utilize high-quality concussion protocols.

EFFICACY OF OPTIMIZED REMINERALIZING THERAPY IN POST-COVID-19 PATIENTS: EVALUATION OF RESULTS

Data from Ukrainian researchers confirm that the prevalence of dental caries, even among young people, remains too high, reaching 95-98%. Fortunately, dental caries is reversible in the early stages of the disease, and it is possible to slow down the demineralization of enamel and dentin by inhibiting the formation of biofilm and the action of protective factors of saliva. The most interesting macronutrients that attracted our attention during the study were calcium and phosphorus, which play a key role in the mineralizing function of saliva and are the main structural elements of enamel hydroxyapatites. The results of our study indicate that the enamel mineralization processes are disturbed in patients with COVID-19. To correct the identified disorders and prevent the occurrence and development of carious lesions, we applied an improved algorithm of prophylaxis of dental enamel diseases using remineralizing therapy. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of the optimized method of remineralization by studying the dynamics of dental parameters in patients after 6 and 12 months. Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, 84 patients were monitored and divided into two equivalent groups: the main group, which included 42 patients who used our proposed preventive method, and the comparison group, which also consisted of 42 patients who were prescribed conventional preventive measures. Research results and discussion. The results obtained after one year of observation of patients with COVID-19 showed significant effectiveness of our proposed method. The increase in caries intensity in the main group after 6 months was 0.39±0.06, and after 12 months 0.44±0.06, while the corresponding index of the comparison group was higher both after 6 months (0.58±0.07) and after 12 months (0.78±0.05). Decrease in caries intensity allowed to establish a significant improvement in oral health in patients in all subgroups. The most significant values were observed after 12 months (66.67%, 37.18%, 28.21% for each subgroup, respectively). The study of oral hygiene using the OHI-S index showed the following results: after 12 months, the patients of the first and second subgroups had corresponding values of 0.67±0.05 and 0.69±0.06, which, according to the interpretation, referred to good hygiene; the patients of the third subgroup were distinguished by the transition to satisfactory hygiene (1.17±0.09) from the initial data of unsatisfactory hygiene (2.46±0.08). Evaluation of enamel resistance according to the TER test revealed a significant migration of indicators towards high and medium resistance: it should be noted that enamel caries resistance in patients with a history of severe form underwent significant changes and decreased to 6.48±0.24 points (from baseline 8.63±0.38), while in patients diagnosed with mild to moderate severity was 2.52±0.19 points (from baseline 4.15±0.22) and 4.68±0.25 (from baseline 6.29±0.31). Conclusions. The results of the analysis of patients' examination during one year of Tooth Mousse gel application for the prevention of dental caries with the use of individual mouth guards confirm the effectiveness of the conducted measures among patients with COVID-19 of different severity.

Protein Deposition on Sport Mouthguards and the Effectiveness of Two Different Cleaning Protocols.

Objective: To determine which salivary proteins adhere onto sport mouthguards, and to evaluate the effectiveness of different cleaning strategies in removing deposited protein. Methods: Fifteen healthy volunteers used a mouthguard for 1 h. The deposited salivary proteins were analyzed using gel electrophoresis and Western blotting techniques and compared with the protein composition of unstimulated saliva. In addition, the effectiveness of two different cleaning strategies to remove proteins from the mouthguards were compared: rinsing the mouthguards after use with cold tap water and cleaning the mouthguard with a soluble effervescent tablet. Results: Gel electrophoresis showed deposition of proteins of 50-60 kDa and 14 kDa on the mouthguards used in the mouth for 1 h. Western blotting identified these bands as amylase and lysozyme, respectively. Rinsing the mouthguard with cold tap water after use removed 91% of the total amount of deposited proteins, while cleaning with an effervescent tablet removed 99%. Conclusions: During the use of mouthguards, salivary proteins are deposited on their surface. Because salivary proteins can potentially affect bacterial adhesion to mouthguards, proper cleaning after use is recommended. Cleaning the mouthguard with cold tap water or using an effervescent tablet both seem to be effective strategies to remove proteins deposited on sport mouthguards.

Commercially available mouthguards: Unearthing trace elements for the first time

The use of mouthguards is advocated by the American Dental Association for orofacial injury prevention and teeth protection. However, the chemical environment in the mouth may cause harmful substances within the mouthguard's polymer material to leach out and be absorbed by the user. Considering this, the present study for the first time analyzed commercially available mouthguards and disclosed the presence of trace elements. Specifically, an analytical method was developed based on closed-vessel microwave-assisted digestion and plasma-based atomic spectrometry for determining toxic trace elements in mouthguard samples. Initially, 75 elements were assessed and, thereafter, quantified cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in each sample by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Method validation was carried out by analyzing a certified reference material of Low-Density Polyethylene, and by addition and recovery experiments. Results for copper were further validated by ICP optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). While most samples exhibited elemental levels beneath the method's limit of quantification, Cd, Cu and Pb were detected in four samples. Remarkably, one sample had Cu levels exceeding safe limits by 109 times, highlighting potential toxicity risks. This initial research underscores the need for stricter contamination control in mouthguard materials to minimize potentially health hazards.

Comparative analysis of dental trauma in contact and non-contact sports: A systematic review.

Dental traumas in sports are common and have physical, social, psychological, and economic impacts. The aim of this study was to determine, through a systematic review, the prevalence of dental trauma in contact and non-contact sports. This review was submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42023421206). Included studies addressed the prevalence of dental trauma in young athletes and adults above 18 years, excluding reviews, editorials, symposiums, or those evaluating athletes under 18 years. A literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, LIVIVO, SPORTDiscus, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source (via EBSCO), and Lilacs and BBO, as well as gray literature. Bias risk was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist. Data were synthesized considering study characteristics, population, sport, and outcomes. R Statistics software was used for all meta-analyses. A total of 1707 articles were identified. After applying eligibility criteria, eight were selected. Three studies, not previously observed, were later added after reading four systematic reviews on a similar topic. Fourteen contact sports and five non-contact sports were analyzed. The prevalence of dental trauma was 11.38% in contact sports and 5.24% in non-contact sports. Regardless of the type of sport, athletes face risks of dental trauma, with contact sports showing higher prevalence. The use of mouthguards is essential across all contact and non-contact sports as a preventive measure.

Wearing Sports Mouthguards to Prevent Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma.

The theme of the academic annual conferences held by the Chinese Stomatological Association from 2021 to 2023 was "Protecting Natural Teeth to Maintain Oral Health" and coincided with the 24th Winter Olympic Games that took place in Beijing in 2022, and thus prevention of oral and maxillofacial trauma once again attracted the attention of stomatological experts and the public. The incidence of oral and maxillofacial trauma caused by sports is around 25% to 34%1-5, and varies based on the type of sport and other factors, such as age, sex and the skill level of the participants. The risk of oral and maxillofacial trauma is extremely high in high-confrontation and high-speed sports, especially for children and adolescents. Wearing sports mouthguards when participating in sport is an effective way to prevent and reduce the incidence of oral and maxillofacial trauma in such sports, and is the simplest and most practical method of doing so. Sports have developed and gained in popularity significantly in China in recent years, but the awareness and use of sports mouthguards are low. Based on the above background, the Chinese Stomatological Association advocates that athletes and sport participants should wear mouthguards in various confrontational and high-speed sports, and calls on dental practitioners and sports-related organisations to actively support the popularisation and application of sports mouthguards to prevent or alleviate oral and maxillofacial trauma and to raise awareness and increase knowledge of methods to protect natural teeth.

EFFECT OF USING A RELAXATION SPLINT ON REDUCING CHRONIC NECK PAIN

Background: Approximately 80% of patients seeking dental care exhibit parafunctional manifestations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), while approximately 70% of patients with TMJ dysfunction experience pain in the cervical spine. It is noteworthy that neck pain is a socially significant phenomenon, as this condition can lead to a substantial decline in the patient's quality of life and disability.&#x0D; Aim: To determine the effect of using a relaxation mouthguard in patients with TMJ dysfunction on reducing chronic neck pain.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The study involved 16 individuals with manifestations of TMJ dysfunction, who were divided into 2 groups. The diagnosis was based on a questionnaire following the research diagnostic criteria for TMD, VAS, and the Oswestry cervical scale. Questionnaires and other examinations were conducted on all patients four times (before treatment, on days 8, 15, and 23 after treatment). Cervical spine mobility was assessed in all patients, and mandibular axiography was performed. Patients in the experimental group, comprising 8 individuals, were fitted with individual relaxation splints and prescribed manual massage of the masticatory and cervical muscles. Patients in the control group, also consisting of 8 patients, were instructed to perform manual massage of the masticatory and cervical muscles.&#x0D; Results: Patients in both study groups demonstrated a reduction in clinical symptoms. According to the study data, the reduction of pain in the experimental group from the beginning to the end of treatment was 62.86% (p &lt; 0.001) of the initial value, whereas in the control group, it was 13.75% (p &lt; 0.001). There was an increase in mobility of the cervical spine in both study groups (p &lt; 0.001). The index of cervical spine disability in the experimental group improved by 225% compared to the control group.&#x0D; Conclusions: The use of a relaxation mouthguard in patients with TMJ dysfunction and existing neck pain symptoms can alleviate chronic pain manifestations in the cervical spine.

Facial and Dental Injuries in Karate.

Karate is a martial art that carries a high trauma risk. Trauma-related Swiss and European karate data are currently unavailable. This survey seeks to increase knowledge of the incidence of traumatic facial and dental injuries, their emergency management, awareness of tooth rescue boxes, the use of mouthguards and their modifications. Interviews were conducted with 420 karate fighters from 43 European countries using a standardized questionnaire. All the participants were semi-professionals. The data were evaluated with respect to gender, kumite level (where a karate practitioner trains against an adversary), and country. Of the 420 fighters interviewed, 213 had experienced facial trauma and 44 had already had dental trauma. A total of 192 athletes had hurt their opponent by inflicting a facial or dental injury, and 290 knew about the possibility of tooth replantation following an avulsion. Only 50 interviewees knew about tooth rescue boxes. Nearly all the individuals interviewed wore a mouthguard (n = 412), and 178 of them had made their own modifications to the guard. The results of the present survey suggest that more information and education in wearing protective gear are required to reduce the incidence of dental injuries in karate.

Changes in oral functions and speech when using custom-fitted mouthguards: An uncontrolled before-and-after study.

Mouthguards are crucial for protecting athletes against orofacial injuries, yet concerns persist regarding their potential impact on oral functions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sports mouthguards on oral functions and speech over time. Thirty national rugby players received custom-fitted mouthguards. Questionnaire responses and speech recordings were collected before mouthguard use and at various intervals after using mouthguards: immediately, 1 week, 2 month, and 6 months. Spectrographic analysis was performed to measure voice onset time (VOT) for /p, b, t, d/ phonemes. Questionnaire responses were assessed with Friedman's test, while VOT changes were examined using one-way repeated measure analysis of variance. Compliance with mouthguard use improved during training and competitions, with consistent wear reported during matches. Over time, speaking difficulties and lisping decreased significantly (p < .001). The perception of nausea improved (p < .001), stabilizing after 1 month (p = .414). Sensations of bulkiness declined (p < .001). Mouth dryness reduced steadily, with no occurrences reported by all players by the end of the study. None of the participants reported bad breath, ulcers, or redness in the mouth. VOT changed immediately after wearing mouthguards (p < .001), gradually regressing toward the baseline, although not completely reaching it. Players held a favorable view of mouthguard use, with comfort and support for mandatory use increasing over time. Custom-fitted mouthguards do not lead to significant long-term disruptions in oral functions. Athletes generally adapt to mouthguard use, reporting improved comfort and greater support for their use.

Faculty of sports science students, physical education teachers, and athletes’ level of knowledge and attitude about mouthguards

ObjectivesTraumatic dental injury occurs during sports competitions, training, and practice and can be prevented by the use of mouthguards. For this reason, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of sports science faculty students, physical education teachers, and athletes about mouthguards.MethodsFive hundred thirty-two participants were reached via social media. In the questionnaire consisting of 20 questions, questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were asked in part 1, and questions about their level of knowledge and attitudes about the mouthguards were asked in part 2. Descriptive statistical analysis and a chi-square test were used to evaluate the data.ResultsThe number of people who think that mouthguards protect the athlete from traumatic dental injury is 381 (71.6%). The number of people who think that mouthguards affect the performance of the athlete is positively 228 (42.9%). To protect against traumatic dental injury, 51.48% of the participants preferred the custom-made; 39.3% of them preferred the boil-bite; 33.22% of them preferred the standard/stock type mouth guard; and 22.96% of them preferred the helmet, and 18.26% of them preferred the face mask.ConclusionsThe knowledge and attitude of sports science faculty students, physical education teachers, and athletes are low about mouthguards. Since these people who are engaged in sports have a high exposure to traumatic dental injuries, education should be given to increase their awareness about mouthguards.

Utilization of alternative treatment for management of clenching and bruxism

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a prevalent orofacial pain condition of non-dental origin affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and/or the associated orofacial muscles, often presenting as clenching and bruxism. Stress is a major contributor to increases in bruxism and clenching and discomfort increases as life stress increases. Traditional treatment has been with the use of mouthguards to alleviate stress on the joint. Alternative treatment utilizing low magnitude high frequency vibration (LMHFV) or photobiomodulation (PBM) has demonstrated useful in those patients having increases in daytime bruxism and clenching and can be a useful adjunct to nocturnal use of mouthguards. This article will discuss their applications and the authors personal experiences with their use.

Awareness about Dental Injuries Associated with Contact Sports and Use of Mouthguards in Young Trainees Playing Khokho, Kabaddi and Football in Bhubaneswar City: A Cross-sectional Study

Awareness about Dental Injuries Associated with Contact Sports and Use of Mouthguards in Young Trainees Playing Khokho, Kabaddi and Football in Bhubaneswar City: A Cross-sectional Study

Oro-dental trauma burden and mouthguard usage among contact sports players: A call for sports dentistry initiatives in Sri Lanka.

Contact sports-related oro-dental trauma contributes to a significant proportion of sports injuries among school children. Oro-dental trauma imposes a detrimental impact on the oral health-related quality of life. However, the burden of oro-dental trauma among contact sports players and their practices of mouthguards remains a research gap in Sri Lanka. The current study bridges that while providing evidence for contextual changes such as initiating sports dentistry. The study was conducted among 1340 adolescent contact sports players in Colombo district, Sri Lanka; 63.1% males and 36.9% females (age 13-18), who were enrolled in football, rugby, hockey, boxing, basketball, and martial arts in the school setting. A checklist was administered to obtain demographic information, sports practices, and the use of mouthguards. An oral examination was conducted for those who experienced oro-dental trauma during the last 12 months. Self-reported oro-dental trauma pooled prevalence of the contact sports players was 35.9% (95% CI = 33.3-38.5), with males' preponderance. Dental trauma was present in 23.8% (n = 319), while 15.8% were uncomplicated and 8% were complicated. Soft tissue injuries were present in 12.1% (n = 162). Oro dental trauma (ODT) was highly prevalent among boxing, rugby, and hockey players. Only 20.8% (n = 279) of players used mouthguards. However, 91.0% (n = 254) of them were using ready-made mouthguards. Mouthguard use and the type of mouthguard showed statistically significant associations across the type of oro-dental trauma among contact sports players. Contact sports-related oro-dental trauma prevalence is as high as 35.9% among Colombo district school children in Sri Lanka. However, their level of mouthguard usage is shallow at 20.8%. Further research is necessary to investigate the reasons behind this, and national guidelines should be developed to prevent and manage sports-related accidental injuries.

Use of mouthguards in Latin American field hockey athletes during the ODESUR 2022 Games.

Athletes are susceptible to oral injuries. To reduce the incidence and severity of oral trauma, a custom-made mouthguard, a device positioned in the mouth to prevent damage to teeth and surrounding structures, is recommended. In field hockey, according to the international rules of this sport, using mouthguards is not mandatory, but it is recommended to wear them at all times while practicing this discipline. We aimed to determine characteristics and differences regarding mouthguard usage among field hockey players from different countries participating in the XII ODESUR Games. We conducted a cross-sectional study that included 78 voluntary hockey athletes that met the inclusion criteria. The questionnaire used was validated by Panam Sports, collecting information on the type of mouthguard (custom-made or prefabricated), and the time of use of the mouthguard (range of 5 years). Of the total number of athletes, 96% used mouthguards, of which 64% were custom-made type, and 32% were prefabricated (p < .001). Custom-made mouthguards were used by 100%, 89%, and 64% of athletes in Argentina, Chile, and Peru, respectively, while only 40% of athletes in Paraguay and Uruguay used them. It has also been observed that more than 50% of the individuals have not controlled and replaced their intraoral devices for more than 10 years. Our results reveal a problem with a public health dimension and thus invite the standardization of guidelines with an educational approach to promoting and adopting good sports practices. This report is the first on using mouthguards in high-performance athletes during an international multisport event.

SPORTS INJURIES OF STOMATOGNATHIC SYSTEM WITH REFERENCE TO PREVENTION AND FIRST AID – REVIEW ARTICLE

Introduction: Engaging in sports is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the health of both children and adults. However, it can also be a cause of injuries with temporary or permanent consequences. The primary causes of sports injuries are mechanical forces acting during intense physical exertion. A significant number of sports injuries involve the stomatognathic system, often occurring suddenly and unexpectedly, accompanied by pain and bleeding. The complexity of injuries depends on the type of sport, the athlete's age, and the force's strength, leading to serious aesthetic, functional, psychological, and economic consequences for the injured. Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to highlight the significant role of sports in physical and mental health, while also addressing potential injuries that may occur during sports activities, with a particular focus on dental and surrounding tissue injuries. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing traumatic and non-traumatic damage to dental tissues and surrounding structures through the mandatory use of sports mouthguards. Methods: This review article focuses on enriching knowledge about dental traumas caused by sports injuries, their prevention, and trends in the therapy of dentoalveolar traumas. Results: In this work, the authors aimed to briefly summarize, analyze, and present the latest available information from contemporary literature dealing with dentoalveolar traumas, including their causes, diagnosis, and treatment, while emphasizing the importance of prevention. Conclusion: Sports injuries, with a specific emphasis on injuries to the stomatognathic system, whether occurring in recreational or competitive sports, require a serious approach in terms of prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. The education of sports professionals, coaches, sports doctors, parents, and athletes themselves on providing first aid for the occurrence of dentoalveolar traumas is of great importance.