Mouthguard utilization rates during sport activities in Ankara, Turkey

Abstract –  The objective of this study was to determine the attitudes towards mouthguard use in Ankara, Turkey. In the first part of this study, an eight-item questionnaire was distributed to 22 coaches from 15 secondary schools randomly selected from five municipalities of Ankara, Turkey. The questionnaire sought information on how much coaches know regarding mouthguards and how often children and adolescents of the ages 11–18 use mouthguards. The second part of the study was based on the data obtained from direct interviews answered by 121 university athletes of three different sport modalities (football, ice hockey and martial arts). The purpose of this part of the study was to determine the rate of mouthguard use and the frequency and type of oral trauma in these athletes. The result of the coaches' questionnaires revealed that; none of the 11–18 years old children and adolescents used mouthguards while participating in sports. Of the coaches, 77.2% had seen orofacial trauma in this age group during sport activities and 95.5% of the coaches believed that mouthguards prevented oral injuries. Of the coaches, 72.7% reported that children and adolescents should use mouthguards in sport activities. The second part of the study showed that although all of the athletes owned mouth-formed type of mouthguards, the utilization rate was 74.4%. Of all players, 13.2% had suffered from one or more form of oral injury while not wearing mouthguards. The results show that in Turkey, the use of mouthguards has not become widespread in sports. It can be concluded that regular mouthguard use in sports should be encouraged in Turkey.     

Use of mouthguard rates among university athletes during sport activities in Erzurum, Turkey

Abstract –  The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes of mouthguard users in Erzurum, Turkey. The participants' appreciation in the use of protective devices, such as mouthguards, during sport activities was also evaluated. In this study, a 10-item questionnaire was distributed to 50 coaches and a 10-item questionnaire was distributed to 768 university athletes of three different sport modalities (basketball, soccer and volleyball) in the Atatürk University Sport Competitions. The Sport Competitions are composed of 20 faculty, except the faculty of dentistry. The result of the coaches' questionnaires indicated that none of the athletes used mouthguards while participating in sports. Of the coaches, 64% had seen orofacial trauma in their athletes during sport activities and 76% believed that mouthguards prevented oral injuries. Of the coaches, 76% reported that university athletes should use mouthguards in sport activities. The result of the university athletes' questionnaires revealed that the mouthguard utilization rate was 0%. Of all players, 78.1% were males (age 17–29) and 21.9% were females (age 18–23). Of all players, 7.31% had suffered from one or more type of oral injury while not wearing mouthguards. The results indicate that in Turkey, the use of mouthguards is rare in sports. It should be a combined duty of dentists, sports physicians, and coaches to encourage the use of mouthguards during training and sport activities. Doctors and dentists need to recommend a more intensive education of students in sports medicine and sports dentistry.     

Basketball players' experience of dental injury and awareness about mouthguard in China

Abstract –  The objective of the present study was to describe the occurrence of orofacial, particularly dental injuries in basketball, and to survey the athletes' awareness concerning the use of mouthguards during basketball training and competition. A pilot questionnaire was designed and tested with basketball players. Two hundred and thirty-six male athletes were surveyed. Seventy-seven players were professional players. Exactly 80.6% professionals and 37.7% semi-professional athletes had an experience of oral soft tissue laceration and dental injuries in basketball practice. The difference between the two groups is significant. The incidence of dental and oral injuries was related to the length of training time. About 59% of the athletes ranked the risk of orofacial and dental injury in basketball as medium. Although the awareness of mouthguards among the basketball players was very high (80.1%), only one of them had used the custom-made mouthguard. Most of the athletes gained the knowledge about mouthguards from foreign players (33.5%), media (24.8%) and teammates/classmates (24.3%). The influence of dentists was very weak. Athletes should be informed about the high risk of oral injuries when participating in contact sports. Dentists should play a more significant role in the program of promoting mouthguard use to prevent the occurrence of oral injury in sport participation.     

Oral injury and mouthguard usage by athletes in Japan

Abstract— The use of mouthguards in contact sports effectively prevents oral injury and preserves oral structures. We investigated oral injuries and awareness concerning mouthguards ainong Japanese high school soccer and rugby players. Athletes were asked a series of questions concerning their history of oral injury while participating in sports, and their pattern of mouthguard use was determined. The data were evaluated statistically using chi-square analysis. The incidence of oral injuries was 32.3% for soccer athletes and 56.5% for rugby athletes, with 0.8% and 24.1% of the respective groups having mouthguards. There were sigmficant differences between the soccer and rugby groups (p<0.001). Although 81.8% of soccer athletes thought mouthguards were unnecessary, only 26.2% of rugby athletes shared this opinion and there was a sigmficant difference between the soccer and rugby groups. Many soccer ath-letes had insufficient knowledge about mouthguards and were not concerned about preventing oral injury, although it was in fact a common problem in their sport. Athletes as well as coaches must be made aware of the high risk of oral injury when playing soccer, rugby, and other contact sports.     

Incidence of Orofacial Injuries in High School Sports

OBJECTIVES: This study determined the incidence of orofacial injuries in athletes attending seven neighboring Minnesota high schools who participated in varsity soccer, wrestling, and basketball during the 1996-97 academic year. METHODS: Incidence was determined through athletes' written surveys and athletic trainer records. RESULTS: Survey response rates ranged from 86.3 percent to 94.0 percent among schools for all sports. The incidence rate of at least one orofacial injury per athlete in a season was 27.6 percent (SD = 20.2) in soccer, 72.3 percent (SD = 9.3) in wrestling, and 55.4 percent (SD = 23.9) in basketball. Ten percent of athletes sustained dental injuries. Fixed orthodontic appliances posed a higher risk for sustaining an injury in all sports. The games-to-practices ratios for injuries were 6.8 (soccer), 1.2 (wrestling), and 1.8 (basketball). Half of the athletes believed mouthguards prevent injuries; however, only 6 percent of the athletes reported mouthguard use. Athletic trainers reported eight orofacial injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial rate of orofacial injuries among high school athletes participating in soccer, wrestling, and basketball needs to be minimized. Dentists should ask their adolescent patients routinely about sports participation. Policies should be developed to require school officials to report orofacial injuries, to inform athletes of their risk for orofacial injuries, and to consider mandated mouthguard use for these athletes.     

Dental and oral trauma and mouthguard use during sport activities in Israel

Abstract – The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of oral and dental injuries in young Israeli population engaged in diverse sport activities. The participants' awareness of the use of protective devices, such as mouthguards, during sport activities was also evaluated. A population of 943 young adults, 95% males and 5% females (ages 18–19), was surveyed. A questionnaire was distributed relating to the type of sport activity practised, past oral and dental injuries over their lifetime, specifying the time and type of sports in which the injury occurred and the use and awareness of the protective devices. Of the total population examined, 850 (90%) were active in at least one type of sport, either as professionals or as amateurs. The analysis included the population that regularly participated in at least one sporting activity. The most commonly practised sports were soccer (54% of all active participants) and basketball (50%). The total number of dental and oral injuries experienced during all sport activities was 229, affecting 27% of the participants of whom 73 (9%) suffered dental injuries. Most dental injuries occurred during the basketball and soccer training sessions and matches reaching 42 and 41% of the total number of injuries, respectively, and affected 7.2 and 6.6% of the basketball and soccer players. Traumatic dental injuries in other sports occurred in less than 7% of the participants in these activities. Only 27% of the participants were aware of the protective devices, such as a mouthguards, and only 3% actually used these devices. These results point to the high risk of potential dental and oral injury during sport activities, the little knowledge about the benefits of using mouthguards and their limited utilization. The importance of public health education to increase the awareness of protective measures and devices and their actual use in Israel is the main focus. It should be a combined duty of dentists and sports physicians and of the coaches to encourage the use of protective devices during training and games.     

A literature review of sports-related orofacial trauma

This literature review evaluates the significance of dental injuries and their relationship to specific sports activities. Many studies have been published on individual sports or groups of sports but most pertain to specific age groups or levels of competition. Research suggests that many sports that do not require mouthguards should encourage male and female participants to use orofacial protectors. Athletes, coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers, parents, and members of the dental community should be aware of how individuals who participate in sporting activities are at risk for dental trauma. Any sport where the potential for dental trauma can exist (such as basketball, soccer, or wrestling) should consider utilizing mouthguards to protect the competitors. The establishment of mouthguard programs for athletes of all ages, genders, and sports may help to reduce the incidence of dental trauma. A sports-related, orofacial/dental trauma reporting system is considered.     

Dental injury and its prevention in Swiss rugby

Abstract – Objectives: Rugby players are at a high risk of sustaining dental injury because of the high number of tackles implicit to the game. This study aimed to determine the frequency of injuries sustained by players in the Swiss rugby league. Methods: During the 2010/11 season, 517 rugby players from 19 clubs were questioned about dental trauma as well as the use of mouthguards and other forms of body protection. The level of awareness about tooth avulsion and replantation was also assessed. Participants included athletes from four different leagues; National (155), Premier (122), Women’s (90) and Juniors (150). Results: Of the 517 players taking part in the survey, 54.4% had sustained at least one serious injury and 39.5% had sustained a facial injury. One hundred and thirty‐nine athletes (37.3%) had observed another player sustain a dental injury during a game, whilst 35 (6.8%) had personally sustained one or more dental injuries. Dental injury rate was considerably higher amongst forwards than backs. Four hundred and fifty‐six players (88.2%) wore a mouthguard of which three‐quarters were tailor‐made. Three hundred and thirteen players (60.5%) were aware that an avulsed tooth can be replanted; however, only 27 (5.2%) had heard of the tooth rescue boxes. These results demonstrate that, whilst general injuries occur with regularity in rugby, dental injuries are not amongst the most common forms. This is almost certainly attributable to the high level of mouthguard usage. Particularly for players in the junior league, in which the use of mouthguards was lowest, the risk of dental injury may be reduced by an increased level of education about tooth protection. Conclusions: To this end, an increased awareness about and usage of tooth rescue boxes would be desirable. It would seem sensible to make the wearing of mouthguards compulsory in contact sports such as rugby.     

Rugby athletes' awareness and compliance in the use of mouthguards in the North West of Italy

Abstract – Background: The prevention of dental injuries during full‐contact sports such as rugby is extremely important. Wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of orofacial injuries, but it is not always used as athletes find it difficult to tolerate. The purpose of the present study was to determine the awareness and the extent of mouthguard use in a sample of young rugby athletes in the North West of Italy. Material and Methods: The athletes of four amateurs rugby teams based in the Province of Turin, Italy completed a questionnaire about playing history, current use and type of mouthguards, disturbs associated with mouthguard use, and general attitudes towards mouthguards. Results: Only 53.85% of the subjects reported wearing their mouthguard all the time both during training and games. The most commonly reported problem associated with using a mouthguard was the discomfort on speech, followed by difficulty in closing lips, adversely affected breathing, adversely affected swallowing and slipping sensation. A statistically significant association between patients <22 years and non‐use of mouthguards was observed. Conclusion: Limited knowledge about oral injury prevention and limited use of mouthguards were observed. The present study suggests that educational courses for rugby players and coaches to promote the use of mouthguards would be extremely important to reduce common complaints about these devices and increase their usage.     

Orofacial trauma in Brazilian basketball players and level of information concerning trauma and mouthguards

Abstract – Orofacial injuries are increasingly considered a public health problem in high impact sports. The purposes of this study were: to assess orofacial trauma (OT) history in basketball players, in relation to wearing mouthguards (MG), facial types, presence of mouth breathing and player’s position in the game, also to check athletes’ level of knowledge about trauma and MGs. Questionnaires were given to category A‐1 adult athletes registered in 2006/07 in the State of São Paulo and Brazilian Basketball Confederation Championships, and National Team members. Of the total sample (n = 388), 50% of athletes sustained orofacial injuries; dental trauma accounted for 69.7%, with emphasis on maxillary central incisors, followed by soft tissue (60.8%), in which lip injuries were the most prevalent. No relationship was found between trauma history and player’s position (P = 0.19), facial type (P = 0.97), presence of mouth breathing (P = 0.98), but there was statistically significant association between the prevalence of OT and lack of MG use (P ≤ 0.0001). Of all the athletes affected, only 1% wore a MG at the time of the trauma, 26.5% did not know about the MGs and 10.6% did not know their functions. When trauma occurred, 79.6% replied one must look for the tooth at the accident site, 50% knew it must be stored in liquid, as replantation was possible (62.3%) and 75.8% believed elapsed time could influence prognosis. Basketball is a high impact sport with high prevalence of OT, particularly maxillary central incisor and lip injuries, but athletes did not use MGs. There should be more educational campaigns to inform players about orofacial injuries and their prevention in Brazilian basketball.     

Attitudinal factors influencing mouthguard utilization

From the introduction of a protective mouthpiece in the sport of boxing, the evidence for the importance of this piece of athletic equipment in injury prevention has grown. Yet, despite this knowledge, only five amateur sports and one professional sport have regulations requiring the use of mouthguards. Even in the sports that require their use, compliance is not universal. Attitudes of coaches, officials, parents, and players about wearing mouthguards all influence their usage. Studies of the attitudes of these groups reveal that coaches are perceived as the individuals with the most impact on whether or not players wear mouthguards. There is reluctance among college football officials to enforce mouthguard violations that they believe are inappropriate. Parents see themselves as having responsibility in determining mouthguard use; however, their views about when and for whom mouthguards are necessary reveal a lack of complete understanding of the benefits. Resistance on the part of players stems from the physical characteristics of the mouthguard, interference with breathing and speech, and the effect on the players' image. Education on the effectiveness of properly fitted mouthguards for injury prevention, information on the risk for injury, availability of more comfortable and appealing mouthguards, and development of an approach for expanding regulations are all tools that can lead to the development of more positive attitudes and increased usage.     

Are mouthguards necessary for basketball?

This literature review evaluates the significance of dental injuries and their relationship to a specific sport--basketball. Many studies have been published on individual sports or groups of sports, but most pertain to specific age groups or levels of competition. Research suggests that many sports that do not require mouthguards should encourage male and female participants to use orofacial protectors. Athletes, coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers, parents, and members of the dental community should be aware of how individuals who participate in sporting activities are at risk for dental trauma. Any sport where the potential for dental trauma can exist, such as basketball, soccer, or wrestling, should consider utilizing mouthguards to protect the competitors. The establishment of mouthguard programs for athletes of all ages and genders who participate in basketball may help to reduce the incidence of dental trauma.     

Attitudes of Central Collegiate Hockey Association ice hockey players toward athletic mouthguard usage

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine Central Collegiate Hockey Association ice hockey players' attitudes regarding the use of athletic mouthguards and to determine the effects of mouthguard type, player position, education, and usage time with respect to attitudes. METHODS: A questionnaire measuring players' attitudes toward mouthguards was sent to certified athletic trainers (ATC) responsible for providing healthcare coverage at 10 institutions of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). The ATC's distributed the surveys to all the players on their respective collegiate teams. Out of a total of 265 players listed on the roosters of the CCHA, one hundred and sixty five (62%) players returned the surveys, with 158 surveys used in the analyses (60%). RESULTS: Approximately 13.3% of players (n=21) reported wearing mouthguards 50% of the time or greater during games and 3.8% (n=6) reported wearing mouthguards 50% of the time or greater during practices. Twenty-six percent (n=41) of the players never received educational information regarding using mouthguards. Thirty-nine percent (n=59) of the players reported altering mouthguards to obtain a better fit while 91% of the players were not influenced by the cost of the mouthguard. A 2 x 2 x 2 ANOVA revealed a significant interaction among player position and mouthguard type with respect to player attitudes (F(1,131) = 4.96, P < 0.05), with defensive players having more negative attitudes toward mouthguard usage compared to offensive players. CONCLUSION: No one specific factor affecting attitudes was identified, however, players reported limited educational opportunities to learn about the effectiveness of mouthguards. Therefore, coaches, dentists, and healthcare providers should engage in more preventive educational programs to increase player attitudes and compliance.     

Oro-facial injuries and mouthguard use in elite female field hockey players

Abstract –  The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of oro-facial injuries, frequency of mouthguard use and players' attitudes towards the use of mouthguards among elite English female field hockey players. All 140 players of the English Hockey Association female Premiere League were asked to complete a questionnaire. Main outcome measures were prevalence of oro-facial injuries, frequency of wearing of mouthguards and attitudes to mouthguard wearing. One hundred and ten completed questionnaires were returned (79% response rate). Facial injuries were common. Nineteen percent had sustained dental injury. Five percent of the respondents had at least one tooth avulsed. Eighty-eight percent of the players said that they owned a mouthguard. Mouthguards were worn regularly during matches by 69% but were used less frequently during training. Six percent thought that mouthguards were ineffective. Eighteen percent of the subjects refused to play if they did not have their mouthguard. Sixty-nine percent of the subjects felt that the mouthguards should be worn compulsorily at all times during the game. The following were finally concluded from the study: oro-facial injuries were commonly reported; 88% of the players possessed a mouthguard; and mouthguards were worn regularly during matches by 69% but were used less frequently during training.     

Dental trauma in contact team sports

Abstract Dental injuries occurring from 1979–1985 in Finland in 6 contact team sports (American football, bandy, basketball, team handball, ice hockey and soccer) were studied. A total of 23,395 accidents occurred among registered players; 1526 (6.5%) of these accidents affected the dental structures. Contact between players caused over half of the accidents and a blow from a stick every third accident. Crown fractures were the most common type of dental injury, occurring most often to the maxillary central incisors. In most accidents (58.6%) only one tooth was affected. The highest rate of incidence was found in ice hockey (8.9%) and the lowest in American football (1.4%). The low incidence in American football was due to adequate facial and dental protection that is mandatory in this sport.     

Eye injuries and orofacial traumas in floorball – a survey in Switzerland and Sweden

Abstract – The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of eye injuries and orofacial traumas in floorball. In addition, the athletes’ habits of wearing protective goggles and mouthguards was surveyed, and an assessment was made of the general level of knowledge amongst athletes and coaches about preventive and first aid measures after a dental trauma and the resulting consequences. The study was conducted by the same interviewer in Switzerland and Sweden during the 2009/2010 season using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 608 individuals (565 athletes and 43 coaches) belonging to the amateur and semi‐professional leagues in the two countries were individually interviewed. Although 72.7% of all athletes had observed and 27.7% of field players had sustained an injury to the eye or its vicinity, only 25 athletes (4.9%) wore protective eyewear. Similarly, despite 31.7% of all players having observed a dental or jaw injury and 11.3% of interviewed field players having suffered one, only one athlete wore a mouthguard on a regular basis. Participants from Switzerland were significantly better informed than participants from Sweden with regard to first aid measures. The results of this study show that floorball has an equally high risk for dental trauma as handball. Further investigations of dental injuries in floorball would be valuable in order to provide players, coaches, parents and sporting federations with the necessary information to make decisions regarding the use of mouthguards. It is strongly recommended that protective eyewear should be made mandatory.     

Prevention of craniofacial injuries in ice hockey

Prior to 1975, craniofacial injuries were the most frequent of all ice hockey injuries. Through the cooperative efforts of hockey administrators, health professionals, sports standards organizations, and the introduction of mandatory protective equipment playing rules craniofacial injuries in youth, high school, and college hockey players in the United States have been almost eliminated. Blind eye injuries, once a major problem, no longer occur in players wearing certified full face protectors. The saving in health care costs for treating eye injuries alone is estimated to be upwards of $10 million annually. Despite the phenomenal success of amateur hockey organizations in eliminating most craniofacial injuries, such injuries continue to occur in recreational, "Old Timers," major junior, and professional hockey players because of failure to use the most effective types of protective equipment. The system established in the United States for preventing craniofacial injuries in the sports of ice hockey that involves youth, high school, and college hockey associations along with standards setting and certification procedures can serve as a model for all amateur sports throughout the world.     

Dental trauma and mouthguard usage among ice hockey players in Turkey premier league

Abstract –  An epidemiological survey was carried out among the ice hockey players of Turkish Premier Ice Hockey League. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental trauma in youth and adult ice hockey players, as well as to check if the players were aware of mouthguards and had used any. The players were interviewed to determine the occurrence of dental trauma during ice hockey and mouthguard usage level. Results revealed that awareness of Turkish ice hockey players to dental trauma is neglected while the majority of players also demonstrated limited utilization of mouthguard.