Mouthguards Protection
Athletes
have used
mouthguards for
years to help limit the severity of and provide protection from dental and
maxillofacial injuries. But some authors and manufacturers contend that
using mouthguards also can enhance athletic performance, depending on the type
of mouthguard used. To test that theory, researchers at the
University of Washington
School of Dentistry in
Seattle conducted a controlled randomized trial "to evaluate and compare
the effect of two different types of mouthguards on the athletic performance
and strength of collegiate athletes." Their findings were reported
in the August 2012 edition of
Dental Traumatology.
Using members of the university's varsity rowing crew, aged 19 to 23 years,
physical performance tests were conducted and overall differences were measured
for mouthguard type, as well as athletes' overall satisfaction with each
type. Researchers concluded: Results failed to demonstrate
improved athletic performance while using either type of mouthguard, reflecting
earlier research.
Customer Mouthguards
Custom made mouthguards were reported to be comfortable and
did not impair athletic performance. Over the counter mouthguards had a
slight negative effect on athletic performance. The researchers
concluded that the use of custom mouthguards should be encouraged in contact
sports as a protective measure, without concern for any negative effect on the
athletic performance of the athletes.
Source:
JADA Specialty Scan: Endodontics
Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 |
www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309