Oro-dental trauma burden and mouthguard usage among contact sports players: A call for sports dentistry initiatives in Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Contact sports-related oro-dental trauma contributes to a significant proportion of sports injuries among school children. Oro-dental trauma imposes a detrimental impact on the oral health-related quality of life. However, the burden of oro-dental trauma among contact sports players and their practices of mouthguards remains a research gap in Sri Lanka. The current study bridges that while providing evidence for contextual changes such as initiating sports dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 1340 adolescent contact sports players in Colombo district, Sri Lanka; 63.1% males and 36.9% females (age 13-18), who were enrolled in football, rugby, hockey, boxing, basketball, and martial arts in the school setting. A checklist was administered to obtain demographic information, sports practices, and the use of mouthguards. An oral examination was conducted for those who experienced oro-dental trauma during the last 12 months. RESULTS: Self-reported oro-dental trauma pooled prevalence of the contact sports players was 35.9% (95% CI = 33.3-38.5), with males' preponderance. Dental trauma was present in 23.8% (n = 319), while 15.8% were uncomplicated and 8% were complicated. Soft tissue injuries were present in 12.1% (n = 162). Oro dental trauma (ODT) was highly prevalent among boxing, rugby, and hockey players. Only 20.8% (n = 279) of players used mouthguards. However, 91.0% (n = 254) of them were using ready-made mouthguards. Mouthguard use and the type of mouthguard showed statistically significant associations across the type of oro-dental trauma among contact sports players. CONCLUSIONS: Contact sports-related oro-dental trauma prevalence is as high as 35.9% among Colombo district school children in Sri Lanka. However, their level of mouthguard usage is shallow at 20.8%. Further research is necessary to investigate the reasons behind this, and national guidelines should be developed to prevent and manage sports-related accidental injuries.

Prevalência e conhecimento do uso de protetores bucais personalizados em praticantes de esportes / Prevalence and knowledge of the use of personalized mouth protectors in sports practitioners

Objetivo: descrever a prevalência e os conhecimentos sobre o uso de protetores bucais personalizados (PBP) por atletas e professores. Métodos: estudo transversal descritivo realizado em 2016 no município de Piratini, RS. Os participantes eram atletas e professores de escolas e centros de treinamento. Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos, sobre conhecimentos, práticas, experiências e uso de PBP. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva com o programa EpiData Analysis, V2.2.3.187. Resultados: a amostra foi composta por 40 atletas e 7 professores, com idades entre 17 e 45 anos. A prevalência do uso de PBP entre os atletas foi de 32,5% (13) e 55% (22) não tinham conhecimento sobre PBP. Além disso, 77,5% (31) dos atletas e 100% (7) dos professores não saberiam indicar um profissional para confeccioná-los. Conclusão: o conhecimento sobre o uso de PBP é escasso, mas, contudo, há uma parcela de atletas que faz uso para a prática de esportes. Destaca-se a importância da necessidade de se investir em políticas de educação em saúde sobre protetores bucais em escolas, academias e centros de treinamento esportivo.(AU)

Objective: to describe the prevalence and knowledge about the use of personalized mouth protectors (PMP) by athletes and teachers. Methods: cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in 2016 in the Piratini/RS city. Participants were athletes and teachers from school and training centers. Socioeconomic data, knowledge, practices, experiences and use of PMP were collected. Data were analyzed in a descriptive with the EpiData Analysis program V2.2.3.187. Results: the sample consisted of 40 athletes and 7 teachers, aged between 17 and 45 years. The prevalence of PMP use among athletes was 32.5% (13) and 55% (22) were not knowledge of PMP. In addition, 77.5% (31) of the athletes and 100% (7) of the teachers did not know to indicate a professional to make them. Conclusion: the knowledge about the use of PMP is scarce and on the other hand, there is a portion of athletes that makes use for the practice of sports. It is important to emphasize the need to invest in health education policies on mouth protectors in schools, gyms and sports training centers.(AU)

O esportista e a prevalência de trauma bucomaxilofacial: conhecimento e uso de protetor bucal, hábitos e respiração na prática esportiva / The athlete and the prevalence of maxillofacial trauma: knowledge and use of mouth guard, habits and breathing in sports practice

O trauma buco maxilo facial (TBMF) relacionado à prática esportiva tem aumentado nos últimos anos, portanto é fundamental investigar os esportes de maior ocorrência, a saúde bucal dos atletas e a adoção de medidas preventivas. O objetivo neste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de trauma buco-maxilo-facial (BMF) em atletas; a relação com a modalidade esportiva praticada, bem como conhecimento e uso de protetores bucais, hábitos de higiene bucal, hábitos sociais e de hidratação. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo, envolvendo 647 atletas praticantes de diferentes esportes em um município do Brasil. Os participantes responderam a um questionário que abordava como desfecho primário a ocorrência de trauma na região da cabeça e pescoço durante atividades esportivas e o conhecimento e uso de protetores bucais. As seguintes variáveis também foram investigadas: esporte praticado, região afetada, escovação, uso do fio dental, consumo de refrigerantes, bebidas alcoólicas, tabagismo, hidratação e a respiração durante a prática esportiva. Do total, 148 atletas (22,87%) sofreram TBMF e os esportes de maior ocorrência foram o basquetebol e o futebol. Houve associação significativa entre ocorrência de TBMF e desconhecimento sobre protetores bucais (p=0,0042) e modalidade esportiva (p<0,0001). A boca foi o local mais acometido (30,40%), a cotovelada foi a principal causa (32,54%). O protetor bucal era conhecido por 538 atletas (83,15%), no entanto, apenas 169 (26,12%) utilizavam, sendo 13 (7,69%) deles personalizados. Verificou-se que 313 atletas (48,53%) respiravam pela boca durante a prática esportiva, 381 (58,89%) não ingeriam refrigerantes, 618 (95,52%) não fumavam e 98 (15,15%) consumiam bebidas alcoólicas ao menos duas vezes por semana. A maioria dos atletas (n=554; 85,63%) ingeria apenas água, enquanto 138 (21,33%) consumiam energéticos durante o exercício. O fio dental não era usado por 212 (32,77%) atletas e 606 (93,67%) escovavam os dentes 2 a 3 vezes ao dia. A maioria dos atletas conhecia os protetores bucais, no entanto, poucos faziam uso. Grande parte dos atletas apresentava respiração bucal durante a prática esportiva e embora todos realizassem a escovação dentária, uma parcela considerável não fazia uso de fio dental. O consumo de refrigerante, bebidas alcoólicas e cigarros foi baixo(AU)

Buccomaxillofacial trauma (TBMF) related to sports practice has increased in recent years, so it is essential to investigate the sports with the highest occurrence of TBMF, the oral health of athletes and the adoption of preventive measures. The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of buccomaxillofacial trauma (BMF) in athletes; the relationship with the sport practiced, as well as knowledge and use of mouthguards, oral hygiene habits, social habits and hydration. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study, involving 647 athletes practicing different sports in a municipality in Brazil. Participants answered a questionnaire that addressed the occurrence of trauma in the head and neck during sports activities and the knowledge and use of mouthguards as the primary outcome. The following variables were also investigated: sport practiced, affected region, brushing, flossing, consumption of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, smoking, hydration and breathing during sports practice. Of the total, 148 athletes (22.87%) suffered TBMF and the most frequent sports were basketball and football. There was a significant association between the occurrence of TBMF and lack of knowledge about mouthguards (p=0.0042) and sports (p <0.0001). The mouth was the most affected site (30.40%), the elbow was the main cause (32.54%). The mouthguard was known by 538 athletes (83.15%), however, only 169 (26.12%) used it, 13 (7.69%) of whom were personalized. It was found that 313 athletes (48.53%) breathed through the mouth during sports, 381 (58.89%) did not drink soft drinks, 618 (95.52%) did not smoke and 98 (15.15%) consumed drinks alcoholic at least twice a week. Most athletes (n = 554; 85.63%) drank only water, while 138 (21.33%) consumed energy drinks during exercise. The dental floss was not used by 212 (32.77%) athletes and 606 (93.67%) brushed their teeth 2 to 3 times a day. Most athletes knew about mouthguards, however, few used them. Most of the athletes had mouth breathing during sports practice and although all of them performed tooth brushing, a considerable portion did not use dental floss. The consumption of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes was low(AU)

The use of mouthguards and prevalence of dento-alveolar trauma among athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The evidence that mouthguards prevent dental trauma is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine, through a systematic review and meta-analysis (MA), the impact of mouthguards (MG) on the prevalence of dento-alveolar trauma (DT) among athletes of contact sports. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Searches were performed at Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cochrane Library, and SIGLE without restriction of language or publication date. After the application of eligibility criteria, studies were evaluated regarding their methodology quality and risk of bias. Two meta-analyses (MA) were performed considering: studies free of problems or with minor problems (MA1) and only free of problems studies (MA2). DT prevalence (events) and total number of athletes from each group (use of MG and non-use of MG) were used for odds ratio calculation (α = 5%). The evidence was quality tested using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: A total of 256 articles were identified. After applying the eligibility criteria, 14 studies were selected for qualitative synthesis, and 11 were used in quantitative synthesis. Meta-analyses showed that 73% (MA1) and 83% (MA2) of mouthguard users have a lower prevalence of DT. In MA1 (eight studies), DT prevalence among MG users was 7.75% (n = 183), while non-users had 48.31% (n = 974) (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.07-0.45, P < 0.001). In MA2 (three studies), DT prevalence among MG users was 7.5% (n = 160), while DT prevalence among non-users was 59.48% (n = 750) (OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.05-0.08, P < 0.001), with moderate evidence quality level. CONCLUSION: Mouthguards contribute to a lower prevalence of dento-alveolar trauma among athletes of contact sports.

Effect of mouthguard design on retention and potential issues arising with usability in sport.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mouthguard retention could potentially increase an athlete's motivation to wear the device, due to potential improvements in physical comfort. The aim of this study was to examine the retentive properties of selected customised mouthguard designs, during normal conditions (dry) and within the presence of artificial saliva (wet). Additionally, the correlation between thickness and retention was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six different custom mouthguard designs (MG1-MG6) reported in previous studies, were pressure-formed with 2 and 4 mm blanks accordingly. Thickness was measured 10 times at seven anatomical points and the mean (±SD) was recorded. A novel rig was fabricated to connect the mouthguards to a Hounsfield H10KS Tensometer, which was used to fully displace each device from the model at a constant rate of 50 mm/min. The test was repeated under both dry and wet conditions. RESULTS: Retention forces recorded at the anterior region demonstrated higher measurements under wet conditions than dry (P < 0.001). The total retention of the mouthguards was influenced by alterations in their design. Trend analysis indicated that 64% of MG retention could be explained by their thickness under dry conditions and 55% when wet. CONCLUSIONS: Design and thickness of mouthguards are key factors in retention. Mouthguard fabrication techniques should be considered in order to minimize dislodgment of the devices as well as potentially increasing the wearability of mouthguards during sport.

Dental injuries in young athletes, a five-year follow-up study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to produce a clinical therapy protocol for a group of 20 athletes between the ages of 8 and 14, who all suffered traumas affecting hard dental and periodontal tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involves a group of 20 athletes (10 male and 10 female) who had suffered dental traumas of varying severity. In order to collect the data, two classification systems were used: one for hard tissue traumas and another for periodontal lesions. The athletes were subdivided into lesion groups, treated depending on the type of lesions and then followed-up over a period of 5 years. A statistical analysis was carried out to study the association between type of lesions, types of sports and the number of teeth involved. RESULTS: We found that recovery time ranged from 3 to 5 days for uncomplicated fractures and up to 14 days for luxations. Only four complications were registered during the follow-up period and these were most likely due to the severity of the trauma. Out of the 20 athletes, 16 had begun and maintained the habit of using mouth protection devices when practicing their sport. The statistical analysis focused on the possible association between the risk levels of a sport and the typical lesions and complications that usually occur. Due to their high frequency, the two types of lesions taken into account in our study were complicated fractures (FP) and luxated/fractured teeth (LF). The average number of teeth involved varied according to the sport's risk level (medium or high) with averages of 1.6 teeth involved for medium-risk sports and 2.0 teeth for high-risk sports. CONCLUSIONS: What emerged in particular was the regular progress in the recovery time needed for the injuries sustained, with few complications or delays in rehabilitation; we also noted that the numerous athletes who habitually used mouthguards while competing during the recovery period did not suffer any recurrences of injuries or further complications. Regarding the results of our statistical analysis, no association was found between the sport's risk, the types of lesions and the occurrence of complications. In addition, analysis of the average number of teeth involved showed that there is no statistical evidence to reject the hypothesis that the ratios remain the same in the two groups.

Dentists' Attitudes and perceptions toward protective mouthguards.

OBJECTIVES (BACKGROUND): Risk of dental injury from contact sports can be prevented by the use of mouthguards. Dentists provide excellent information regarding mouthguards. Thus, the aim was to assess the awareness among dentists regarding the same, the level of training in fabricating a mouthguard and whether they regularly recommend one for their athletically active patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This institutional cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics, Government Dental College, Kottayam, and Kerala, India. An online form was sent out to 1500 offices and departments in dental institutions through email with a time period of 1 month given to fill responses and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A response from 640 was recorded; most of them had not received or had fabricated a mouthguard during their dental training or private practice, even though one-third recommended one to their athletically active patients with a lack of formal training being the reason for not routinely advocating mouthguard usage. Most were aware of more than one type of mouthguards and recommended customized one for the same, however, more than half were not aware of a different type intended for orthodontic patients. CONCLUSION: It is not a routine practice currently, among general dentists and specialists alike, in our country, to prescribe a mouthguard. It is time that the dental fraternity spread awareness for the prevention of injuries. A relook into the academic curriculum while advocating the use of customized mouthguards to patients due to contact sports is required.

Knowledge and attitudes about sports-related dental injuries and mouthguard use in young athletes in four different contact sports-water polo, karate, taekwondo and handball.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The increasing popularity of participating in sports activities among children and adolescents has increased the risk of sports-related orofacial and dental injuries. Therefore, it is important to establish efficient preventive strategies regarding sports-related dental trauma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of sports-related dental injuries in young athletes and to compare the frequency of such injuries between high-risk and medium-risk sports, along with assessing athletes' attitudes and habits regarding mouthguard use. METHODS: A total of 229 young athletes from four different sports (water polo (n = 59), karate (n = 58), taekwondo (n = 57) and handball (n = 55)) participated in this study. A standardized questionnaire about the frequency of orofacial and dental injuries was used. Questions were also asked about athletes' habits related to mouthguard use. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 12.9 ± 3.2 years, and the average time of playing experience was 4.8 ± 3.1 years. Orofacial injury had been experienced by 58 athletes (25.3%), while 31 athletes (13.5%) suffered dental injury. Higher rate of dental injuries was observed in water polo (18.6%), karate (17.2%) and handball (21.8%) than in taekwondo (3.5%) (P = .035). Most participants were aware of mouthguards for dental trauma prevention and considered them efficient for preventing dental injuries during sports activities, but only 94 (41%) used them. There was a statistically significant difference in the use of mouthguards between taekwondo (73.7%) and karate (70.7%) players compared to handball (14.5%) and water polo players (5.1%) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Handball and water polo had similarly high occurrence of dental trauma as karate, a high-risk martial art sport. Therefore, the classification of sports according to the risk of dental trauma should be reconsidered. It would be beneficial to make wearing a mouthguard mandatory in all high-risk sports, as well as in those with medium-risk for dental injuries.

Mouthguards and their use in sports: Report of the 1st International Sports Dentistry Workshop, 2016.

There appears to be much confusion or misinformation worldwide regarding mouthguards and their use in sports. In an effort to clarify where the international dental community stands on mouthguards and mouthguard research, the workshop looked at some important questions. The goal was to one day formulate consensus statements related to these questions, which will be based on current scientific evidence-based research, to motivate the international community of the importance of dentally fitted laminated mouthguards and the wearing of them by athletes of all sports. There are only five sports in the United States that require the use of mouthguards. If, through workshops such as this, the importance of wearing dentally fitted laminated mouthguards can be demonstrated, then more sports may require their athletes to wear them.

Oral lacerations during motocross: A case report.

Motocross is a high-risk sport that can cause serious injuries including oral injuries. However, mouthguard use is not mandatory in motocross. This report describes a case of an oral laceration with exposure of bilateral inferior alveolar nerves as a result of a motocross accident in which the patient was not wearing a mouthguard.

Prevalence of dental trauma and use of mouthguards in professional handball players.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Published data about orofacial injuries and mouthguard use by professional handball players are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of orofacial trauma and mouthguard use in professional handball players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from 100 professional handball players through a questionnaire, which contained 17 questions about age, experience in playing handball, playing position, orofacial trauma experience during the past 12 months, type of injury and mouthguard use. RESULTS: Almost half (49%) of the interviewed players experienced head and/or facial trauma during the past year. The most common injuries were soft tissue lacerations (39.6%). Dental injuries occurred in 22% of the participants, with socket bleeding being the most frequent injury (14%). Of the affected teeth, 76.9% were upper incisors. Mouthguards had a statistically significant protective role regarding tooth fractures and tooth avulsion (P=.043). Players who wore a mouthguard had a 5.55 times less chance of suffering dental injuries. Almost 76% of dental injuries resulted in complications afterward. Sixty-seven percentage of the players knew that mouthguards could prevent injuries, but only 28% used them regularly. Of the players who wore a mouthguard regularly, 76.9% were advised to do so by their dentists. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of head and orofacial injuries among professional handball players is high. Mouthguards prevented severe dental injuries such as tooth fracture and avulsion, but their use was still limited.

Prevalence of dental injuries and awareness regarding mouthguards among basketball players and coaches.

BACKGROUND: Dental injuries are frequently occurred by an impact to facial area among basketball players. In fact, mouthguards are able to absorb the power of impacts and protect teeth from excessive forces, it is crucial for players even at training to wear mouthguards. To determine the prevalence of dental injuries and investigate the awareness about the use of mouthguards among basketball players and coaches. METHODS: A 14-item questionnaire was designed and tested among licensed basketball players and coaches, all of whom were continuously exposed to the risk of dental injuries. The questions focused on the prevalence of dental injuries and attitudes and knowledge regarding the use of mouthguards among the players and coaches. Data were calculated using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests. RESULTS: A total of 53 coaches (18-69 years) and 351 players (12-38 years) participated. Of these, 124 players (35% of the total sample) had experienced oral injuries, including soft tissue lacerations (80.6%), fractures (17.7%) and avulsions (1.6%). Although the players had sustained dental injuries, 95% of them found mouthguards to be protective, and only 6.3% (N.=22) actually used a mouthguard. The rate of mouthguard use among players who had experienced an oral injury was significantly higher than that among players without any history of injury (P<0.05). Although 98% of the coaches believed that mouthguards could prevent dental injuries, only 47% of them suggested their use to their players. The most common reasons for not using a mouthguard were discomfort (37.7%) and difficulty in breathing (7.3%) or talking (6.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the use of mouthguards among basketball players is very rare, with inadequate knowledge among the coaches. Consequently, more information is required through sports associations and dentists.

Increasing the probability of surviving loss of consciousness underwater when using a rebreather.

Re-circulating underwater breathing apparatus (rebreathers) have become increasingly popular amongst sport divers. In comparison to open-circuit scuba, rebreathers are complex life support equipment that incorporates many inherent failure modes and potential for human error. This individually or in combination can lead to an inappropriate breathing gas. Analysis of rebreather diving incidents suggests that inappropriate breathing gas is the most prevalent disabling agent. This can result in spontaneous loss of consciousness (LoC), water aspiration and drowning. Protecting the airway by maintaining the diver/rebreather oral interface may delay water aspiration following LoC underwater; the possibility of a successful rescue is, thus, increased. One means of protecting the airway following LoC underwater is the use of a full-face mask (FFM). However, such masks are complex and expensive; therefore, they have not been widely adopted by the sport diving community. An alternative to the FFM used extensively throughout the global military diving community is the mouthpiece retaining strap (MRS). A recent study documented 54 LoC events in military rebreather diving with only three consequent drownings; all divers were reported to be using a MRS. Even allowing for the concomitant use of a tethered diving partner system in most cases, the low number of fatalities in this large series is circumstantially supportive of the efficacy of the MRS. Despite drowning featuring as a final common pathway in the vast majority of rebreather fatalities, the MRS has not been widely adopted by the sport rebreather diving community.

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Preventing and Managing Sport-Related Dental and Oral Injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To provide athletic trainers, health care professionals, and all those responsible for the care of athletes with clinical recommendations for preventing and managing sport-related dental and oral injuries. BACKGROUND: Participation in competitive sports continues to grow at both the interscholastic and intercollegiate levels. Therefore, exposure to, and the incidence of athletic-related injury, including orofacial injury, will also likely increase. At the time of this writing, the leading governing agencies for interscholastic (National Federation of State High School Associations) and intercollegiate (National Collegiate Athletic Association) sports require only protective orofacial equipment (eg, mouthguards) for 5 and 4, respectively, of their sanctioned sports. Although orofacial injuries represent a small percentage of all sport-related injuries, the financial burden associated with these injuries (eg, tooth avulsion) can exceed $15 000 over an adult life. Therefore, effective management of sport-related dental injuries is critical to the long-term financial, physical, and emotional health of people who have experienced dental trauma. RECOMMENDATIONS: Based upon the current evidence regarding sport-related orofacial injury, we provide recommendations related to planning considerations, education, and mouthguard efficacy, material, fabrication, and care considerations. Additionally, suggested best practices for managing sport-related dental injury are also given for athletic trainers and other health care professionals.

Mouthguard usage by middle and high school student-athletes in Houston, Texas.

This survey recorded utilization levels of stock and custom mouthguards among middle and high school athletes in a US metropolitan area and gathered data on the prevalence of traumatic injuries that have occurred as a consequence of school-based athletic competition. The data also included reasons for the athletes' noncompliance. A 23-question, online survey form was developed. A geographically diverse list of public and private schools in the Houston metropolitan area was identified and included 30 public middle schools, 32 public high schools, 8 private middle schools, and 10 private high schools. The sports surveyed were baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling. Only 1 private middle school participated. Only 5 of 32 public high schools and 1 private high school participated, representing response rates of 16% and 10%, respectively. Overall, there were 503 responses, and 56% of the respondents did not have a mouthguard. Among athletes who owned a mouthguard, most (70%) had stock versions purchased in a retail store, while 11% had a custom mouthguard fabricated by a dentist, and 19% had both types. The most frequent reasons cited for not wearing a mouthguard were forgetting to use it and a lack of comfort. The injury rates reported by respondents in the stock and custom mouthguard groups were 26% and 9%, respectively. A consistent, concerted effort by local dental societies should be aimed at school administrators and coaches to encourage enforcement or reinforcement of mouthguard usage policies among high school athletes, but, ultimately, parents need to step up to protect their children.

Patterns of orodental injury and mouthguard use in Dutch field hockey.

BACKGROUND: Orodental injuries in field hockey are a growing cause of concern that requires attention. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the patterns of orodental injury, and the use of mouthguards in Dutch national field hockey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the period from 1 May to 31 July 2014, a 33-item questionnaire about orodental injury and mouthguard use was sent to 7 field hockey clubs in the Netherlands. Data were analysed using 2 multivariable logistic (non-)linear regression per outcome measurement: (1) orodental injury and (2) type of mouthguard. RESULTS: Out of 6585 players, 1299 (20%) responded sufficiently and were eligible for the study. In total, 214 hockey players (16%) experienced at least 1 orodental injury in their career. The injuries were less severe in athletes who wore a mouthguard during an accident than in those who did not, OR=2.1 to 3.3, p≤0.05. Players without mouthguard sustained broken and knocked out teeth more frequently, while players with a mouthguard had more lip cuts (p≤0.05). Players complained less about custom-made than about mouth-moulded mouthguards (p≤0.05). Also, males were more at risk for an orodental injury, OR=1.4 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.9), and were less likely to have a custom-made mouthguard, OR=0.7 (95% CI 0.6 to 0.9), than females. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of field hockey players suffers from orodental injury. Mouthguards should be included in prevention strategies as they are associated with less severe injuries and patterns of injury are to be taken into account when targeting specific groups.

Dental injuries sustained by high school athletes in the United States, from 2008/2009 through 2013/2014 academic years.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Risk of dental injuries is present in a variety of sports. Mouthguards are effective yet underutilized. This study aimed to estimate the rate of dental injuries among high school athletes and investigate the utilization of mouthguards across multiple high school sports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Athlete exposure and dental injury data were collected during the 2008/2009 through 2013/2014 academic years from a large sample of high schools in the United States as part of the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study. RESULTS: There were 222 dental injuries sustained during 24,787,258 athlete exposures for a rate of 0.90 per 100,000 athlete exposures. The rate of dental injuries in competition (1.8) was three times higher than the rate in practice (0.6) (RR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.3-4.0). Rates of dental injuries varied by sport with the highest rates in girls' field hockey (3.9) and boys' basketball (2.6). Dental injuries most commonly occurred as a result of contact with another player (61.3%) and contact with a playing apparatus (31.5%). For the majority of dental injuries, the athlete was not wearing a mouthguard (72.5%). Among injuries where athletes were wearing mouthguards, the majority were self-fitted (95.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Although dental injuries were relatively uncommon, the majority occurred while the athlete was not wearing a mouthguard. As previous studies have shown that mouthguards are effective in preventing injuries, all high school athletes participating in a sport that places them at risk of sustaining a dental injury should wear a mouthguard consistently in both competition and practice.

Mouthguard Use and Awareness of Junior Rugby League Players in the Gold Coast, Australia: A Need for More Education.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate knowledge, attitude, and awareness of appropriate mouthguard use, as well as the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Community survey. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred ninety-four junior rugby league players and their coaches in the Gold Coast, Australia. INTERVENTIONS: Data were collected anonymously during training sessions by means of a survey questionnaire, followed by a presentation on mouthguards and the management of TDIs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive statistics on the frequency distribution of the demographic characteristics, knowledge, and use of mouthguards as well as the relationships between the type of mouthguard worn and questions related to mouthguard use. RESULTS: The majority of players surveyed reported wearing a mouthguard (68.2%). Cost (40.1%) and not believing that they work (35.7%) were listed as the main reasons for not doing so. The boil-and-bite type was the most used by players (64.7%). Almost 44% of coaches and 50% of players responded that only a dentist can manage an avulsed tooth, that a tooth had to be reinserted within 15 minutes (40.6% and 21.9%, respectively), and that either water or milk can be used to transport an avulsed tooth to the dentist (100% and 82.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Education related to the correct use of mouthguards and the management of TDIs should be ongoing for players, their caregivers, and their coaches and should be required as part of the training of coaches to prevent injury in rugby league. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study found that although the overwhelming majority of junior rugby league coaches encourage the wearing of mouthguards, only two-thirds of the players do so. Players' compliance to wear mouthguards is largely influenced by their perception of efficacy and its comfort. Educational campaigns with involvement of dental practitioners, related to the correct use of mouthguards and the management of TDIs, should be ongoing for players, their caregivers, and their coaches and should also be required as part of the training of coaches.

Dentofacial trauma and players' attitude towards mouthguard use in field hockey: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dentofacial injuries are a risk while playing field hockey. Wearing mouthguards is recommended. OBJECTIVE: To synthesise findings on the prevalence and characteristics of dentofacial injuries sustained by field hockey players. We also investigated the prevalence of regular mouthguard use and players' attitude towards use of mouthguard. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, OvidSP, Web of Science, Cochrane and Cinahl databases. Eligible studies were identified based on the title, abstract and full text of articles. If applicable, a random effects model was used to calculate the overall effect size; otherwise, pooled prevalence was reported. RESULTS: 11 studies were eligible for the analysis. The average proportion of field hockey players who had sustained at least one dentofacial injury varied from 12.7% (95% CI 8.5% to 17.0%) among junior and senior players to 45.2% (95% CI 39.3% to 51.0%) among elite players. We did not observe any significant differences with respect to gender. In the 2000s, a significantly higher proportion of players regularly wore a mouthguard, 84.5% (95% CI 69.3% to 99.7%) as compared with players 20 years ago, 31.4% (95% CI 22.7% to 40.1%). The most common complaints about the mouthguard were that it was unnecessary and uncomfortable. CONCLUSION: Dentofacial injuries pose a serious problem in field hockey and a substantial number of players do not regularly wear a mouthguard. Greater use of mouthguards would be expected to reduce dentofacial injuries in field hockey.