| Background: Prevention of traumatic dental
injuries relies on the identification of etiologic factors and the use
of protective devices during contact sports. Mouthguards are considered
to be an effective and cost-efficient device aimed at buffering the
impacts or blows that might otherwise cause moderate to severe dental
and maxillofacial injuries. Interestingly, besides their role in
preventing injury, some authors claim that mouthguards can enhance
athletic performance. Thus, the purpose of this controlled randomized
trial was to evaluate and compare the effect of two different types of
mouthguards on the athletic performance and strength of collegiate
athletes. Materials and methods: Eighteen college athletes ranging from
19 to 23 years participated in this study. Devices tested in this study
included an over-the-counter boil-and-bite mouthguard (O-Flow™ Max
Under Armour(®) ) (UA) and a custom-made mouthguard (CM). Physical tests
were carefully selected by the head athletic trainer and aimed at
evaluating the strength and performance. The following sequence was
carried out on each test day: (i) 3-stroke maximum power ergometer test,
(ii) 1-min ergometer test, and (iii) a 1600-m run. A random assignment
was developed to test all three experimental groups on each test day.
Following the tests, each athlete completed a brief anonymous survey
aimed at evaluating the athletes' overall satisfaction with each type of
mouthguard. Results: Custom-made mouthguards had no detrimental effect
on athletic strength and performance and were reported by the athletes
as being comfortable and not causing difficulty in breathing. In
contrast, boil-and-bite mouthguards did not perform as well and were
reported as being uncomfortable and causing breathing difficulties.
Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the use of custom-made
mouthguards should be encouraged in contact sports as a protective
measure, without concern for any negative effect on the athletic
performance of the athletes. |
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