Key Points
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Informs clinicians about risks of dental trauma during sport and the effectiveness of mouthguards.
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Details the different types of mouthguard available.
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Explains the characteristics of the different types mouthguard and the indications for their use.
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Explains possible barriers to mouthguard use.
Abstract
Participation in sport carries an increased risk of sustaining dental trauma which can be reduced by the use of a mouthguard. Mouthguards work by dissipating the force of impact, thus reducing the force which is transferred to the dentition. There are different types of mouthguard available which vary in design, costs and the level of protection provided. This article aims to review the use of mouthguards in sport, the common barriers to their use and also the different types of mouthguards and their characteristics.
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Parker, K., Marlow, B., Patel, N. et al. A review of mouthguards: effectiveness, types, characteristics and indications for use. Br Dent J 222, 629–633 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.365
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.365
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