Orofacial/cerebral injuries and the use of mouthguards by professional athletes in Switzerland

Abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts

Abstract

Injury rates varied greatly with sport, and nearly half the injured players had not worn mouthguards.

Main

Lieger O, von Arx T Dent Traumatol 2006; 22: 1–6

In an era of widespread participation in contact and high risk sports, mouthguards have reduced the rate of oral injuries. This study surveyed 267 players (43 using mouthguards, and 150 supporting their use) and 63 officials (37 supporters) in 22 of 41 top sports clubs in Switzerland. Of players using mouthguards, 32% had had mouth, face or skull injury while doing so, and such injuries had occurred only in ice hockey. An accident was the reason why 23% of mouthguard users had started using them. Players not using mouthguards had a higher rate of such injury (45%).

Reasons for not wearing mouthguards given by players without them were principally that they were unnecessary or interfered with the sporting activity. Some officials shared these views. The authors point out the significant potential for lifelong disfigurement in facial trauma, and recommend more promotion of mouthguards.