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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
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Publication History



accepted after revision 21 August 2014

Publication Date:
20 October 2014 (online)

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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
 

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