If you had access to a piece of equipment that was 60 times more likely to protect your athletes from an injury, would you use it?
You'd think the answer would be a resounding "yes!" And yet, according to a study published by the Journal of Athletic Training, "the use of mouthguards in competition is not consistently enforced by ATCs, coaches, or game officials."
From protecting teeth to reducing concussions, the importance of wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports has been proven time and time again. In fact, since high schools and colleges began to require the use of facemasks and mouthguards for football, it is estimated that more than 200,000 injuries have been prevented each year. Not only do mouthguards help buffer an impact that could otherwise cause jaw injuries, broken teeth, and cuts to the tongue, gums, and face, but they can also reduce the rate and severity of concussions.
Evidence of Protective Effects
Many research studies have been undertaken to show the efficacy of mouthguards. Obviously no study with large numbers of participants has been completed since that would necessitate leaving athletes unprotected in a control group. However, the following are three studies conducted over the years that demonstrate the protective effects mouthguards have for athletes.
The Notre Dame Study.
A five-year clinical study on Notre Dame football players began in 1958 and was published in 1964. With the encouragement of then trainer Gene Paszkiet, a decision was made to equip the entire Notre Dame football team with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA - see below) mouthguards.
The result: The number of injuries to the teeth and jaws declined. There was also an impressive reduction in cerebral concussions. Another important finding was a correlation between wearing the mouthguards and a decrease in neck injuries.
The Male Cadaver Study.
An impact-producing mechanism was used to deliver uniform blows to the chin on an intact male cadaver.
The result: The study stated, "there was a decided reduction in the amplitude of the intracranial pressure wave when the mouth protector was in place."
The Impact Study.
In 2006, Plastic Technology Laboratories tested various mouthguards on a High Speed Puncture Multiaxial Impact device.
The result: The study indicated that mouthguards significantly reduce the amount of shock and force transmitted to the teeth and head.
The Dangers of Not Wearing a Mouthguard
The necessity of wearing a mouthguard is highlighted by a bizarre incident that occurred in 2007 in Australia, when a rugby player's tooth was found embedded in his opponent's head. When asked why he was not wearing a mouthguard, the player who lost the tooth replied that he'd forgotten his mouthguard that day. Upon hearing the report, Australian Dental Association's Federal President, Dr. John Matthews, said, "This incident shows the dangers of not wearing a mouthguard. Mouthguards are essential for those who play contact sport."
Play It Safe
The bottom line is this: a single blow in a split second to the mouth or jaw can cause serious damage. In fact, a single traumatic injury to the dentition may never heal completely, according to the American Dental Association, creating a lifetime of expensive, long-term problems for the affected athlete. However, wearing mouthguards is a simple way to minimize the risk of this type of injury, as well as many others-keeping your athletes safe, healthy, and ready to compete.
Types of EVA Mouthguards
The most common type of mouthguard is the heat-and-fit type. The composition of this type of guard is generally Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), which softens in post-boiled water and easily custom forms to the teeth and gums.
Various grades of EVA are used in different configurations.
Single Density Mouthguard:
Consists of one grade of EVA that results in a general fit after a few minutes in hot water. Protection and fit are good at an economical price.
Double Density Mouthguard:
Constructed in two layers with two grades of EVA. The outer shell is usually stiffer and conforms to the dental arch, providing shock absorption and durability to the fitted guard. The filler material is softer and provides a precise fit around every tooth and the gum structure. This soft inner layer gives comfort plus added protection by spreading impact forces over a greater area.
Triple Density Mouthguard:
Introduces the use of three grades of EVA that increase protection against dental injury and concussion. Some models even encapsulate air pockets for greater shock absorption.
