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
