Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 2015; 36(03): 254-261
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1390498
Clinical Sciences
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Prevention of Orofacial Injury via the Use of Mouthguards among Young Male Rugby Players

Y. Tanaka
1   Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Oral Rehabilitation, Suita, Japan
,
Y. Maeda
1   Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Oral Rehabilitation, Suita, Japan
,
T.-C. Yang
2   Department of Prosthodontics, National Taiwan University School of Dentistry, Taipei, Taiwan
,
T. Ando
1   Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Oral Rehabilitation, Suita, Japan
,
Y. Tauchi
1   Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Oral Rehabilitation, Suita, Japan
,
H. Miyanaga
1   Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Oral Rehabilitation, Suita, Japan
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 21 August 2014

Publication Date:
20 October 2014 (online)

Also available at
   Buy Article Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine factors hindering the use of mouthguards and the incidence of orofacial injury among young male rugby players. 69 high school rugby players (Group 1) and 431 medical student rugby players (Group 2) participated in this study. Participants in Group 1 used custom-made mouthguards fabricated according to a standardized method, whereas participants in Group 2 used custom-made or over-the-counter mouthguards of their choice. The factors associated with orofacial injury were assessed by logistic regression analysis, while factors hindering mouthguard use were assessed by multinomial logistic regression analysis. All data were obtained from a questionnaire developed by the Japanese Academy of Sports Dentistry. We found that breathing problems were the main factor contributing to the reduced frequency of mouthguard use. In both groups, a significant negative association was observed between the frequency of mouthguard use and the risk of orofacial injury. The group using standardized custom-made mouthguards reported fewer complaints about breathing problems and a higher frequency of mouthguard use. The results of this study suggest that increasing the frequency of mouthguard use would reduce the risk of orofacial injury among young male rugby players. We also conclude that users of custom-made mouthguards complain less frequently of breathing difficulties.

Key words

athletic injuries - injury prevention - dentistry - teeth - facial bones - rugby
 

  • References

  • 1 ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations; ADA Council on Scientific Affairs . Using mouthguards to reduce the incidence and severity of sports-related oral injuries. J Am Dent Assoc 2006; 137: 1712-1720
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Biagi R, Cardarelli F, Butti AC, Salvato A. Sports-related dental injuries: knowledge of first aid and mouthguard use in a sample of Italian children and youngsters. Eur J Paediatr Dent 2010; 11: 66-70
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Cetinbaş T, Sönmez H. Mouthguard utilization rates during sport activities in Ankara, Turkey. Dent Traumatol 2006; 22: 127-132
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Cohenca N, Roges RA, Roges R. The incidence and severity of dental trauma in intercollegiate athletes. J Am Dent Assoc 2007; 138: 1121-1126
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Frontera RR, Zanin L, Ambrosano GM, Flório FM. Orofacial trauma in Brazilian basketball players and level of information concerning trauma and mouthguards. Dent Traumatol 2011; 27: 208-216
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Garon MW, Merkle A, Wright JT. Mouth protectors and oral trauma: a study of adolescent football players. J Am Dent Assoc 1986; 112: 663-665
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Gebauer DP, Williamson RA, Wallman KE, Dawson BT. The effect of mouthguard design on respiratory function in athletes. Clin J Sport Med 2011; 21: 95-100
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Häyrinen-Immonen R, Sane J, Perkki K, Malmström M. A six-year follow-up study of sports-related dental injuries in children and adolescents. Endod Dent Traumatol 1990; 6: 208-212
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Johnsen DC, Winters JE. Prevention of intraoral trauma in sports. Dent Clin North Am 1991; 35: 657-666
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Knapik JJ, Marshall SW, Lee RB, Darakjy SS, Jones SB, Mitchener TA, delaCruz GG, Jones BH. Mouthguards in sport activities: history, physical properties and injury prevention effectiveness. Sports Med 2007; 37: 117-144
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Kumamoto DP, Maeda Y. A literature review of sports-related orofacial trauma. Gen Dent 2004; 52: 270-280
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Kumamoto D, Maeda Y. Are mouthguards necessary for basketball?. J Calif Dent Assoc 2005; 33: 463-470
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Labell CR, Smith BW, Sigurdsson A. Effect of mouthguards on dental injuries and concussions in college basketball. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2002; 34: 41-44
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Lieger O, von Arx T. Orofacial/cerebral injuries and the use of mouthguards by professional athletes in Switzerland. Dent Traumatol 2006; 22: 1-6
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Harris DJ, Atkinson G. Ethical standards in sports and exercise science research: 2014 update. Int J Sports Med 2013; 34: 1025-1028
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Maeda Y, Kumamoto D, Yagi K, Ikebe K. Effectiveness and fabrication of mouthguards. Dent Traumatol 2009; 25: 556-564
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 17 Maeda Y, Machi H, Tsugawa T. Influences of palatal side design and finishing on the wearability and retention of mouthguards. Br J Sports Med 2006; 40: 1006-1008
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Maestrello CL, Mourino AP, Farrington FH. Dentists’ attitudes towards mouthguard protection. Pediatr Dent 1999; 21: 340-346
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 McNutt T, Shannon Jr SW, Wright JT, Feinstein RA. Oral trauma in adolescent athletes: a study of mouth protectors. Pediatr Dent 1989; 11: 209-213
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 20 O’Malley M, Evans DS, Hewson A, Owens J. Mouthguard use and dental injury in sport: a questionnaire study of national school children in the west of Ireland. J Ir Dent Assoc 2012; 58: 205-211
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 21 Onyeaso CO. Secondary school athletes: a study of mouthguards. J Natl Med Assoc 2004; 96: 240-245
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 22 Yeşil Duymuş Z, Gungor H. Use of mouthguard rates among university athletes during sport activities in Erzurum, Turkey. Dent Traumatol 2009; 25: 318-322
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar