Effectiveness of Sports Mouthguards

Participants in a wide variety of sports commonly experience orofacial injuries. Dentists have a responsibility for both the treatment and prevention of these injuries. Equipment for the protection of the face and mouth includes facemasks and mouthguards. There are three broad categories of mouthguards: • Type 1 (Stock) mouthguards are purchased over the counter at sports shops; • Type 2 (Mouth-formed) mouthguards are purchased in the same way but are modified in the mouth to improve fit; • Type 3 (Custom-made) mouthguards are made in the laboratory on casts made from impressions of the mouth. Evidence suggests that mouthguards can help prevent damage to soft tissues and teeth and possibly prevent concussion. Custom-made mouthguards are the most retentive and are best tolerated. Incidents have been recorded when ill-fitting mouthguards have been dislodged and blocked the airway. Many claims have been made regarding the relative effectiveness of different types of mouthguards. The evidence for the relative effectiveness of different mouthguard materials and designs will be described. The available data from in-vitro and in-vivo investigations must be interpreted with caution There is a need for further scientific research to develop optimum protection for participants in sports