Protecting Athletes: Mouthguards and Concussions

   

Marielaina Perrone^*

Citation: Perrone M. Protecting Athletes: Mouthguards and Concussions J Orthop Study Sports Med. 2(1):1-4.

Received: October 1, 2024 | Published: October 10, 2024

Copyright^© 2024 genesis pub by Perrone M. (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International License. This allows others distribute, remix, tweak, and build upon the work, even commercially, as long as they credit the authors for the original creation.

Abstract

Concussions remain a significant concern in contact sports, with growing evidence linking proper mouthguard usage to reduced concussion risk. This article examines the role of dental mouthguards in concussion prevention, exploring the mechanisms by which mouthguards absorb impact forces and protect the brain. Reviewing recent studies, we discuss their effectiveness in mitigating the effects of concussions and emphasize the importance of custom-fitted mouthguards for athletes.

Keywords

Concussions, Mouthguards, Sports Medicine, Traumatic Brain Injury, Impact Absorption, Athlete Safety, Custom Fit Mouthguards

Introduction

Concussions are one of the most prevalent injuries in contact sports, leading to short-term and long-term neurological effects [1]. Recent research has suggested that dental mouthguards, primarily used to protect the teeth and jaw, can also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of concussions [2]. By absorbing and dispersing impact forces, mouthguards may reduce the energy transmitted to the brain, lowering the risk and severity of concussions [3]. This paper explores the mechanisms by which mouthguards reduce concussion risk and discusses best practices for their use in sports medicine.

Mechanisms of Concussion Prevention

1. Impact Absorption - Mouthguards are designed to absorb and distribute the forces of impact across the jaw and skull, reducing the amount of force that potentially reaches the brain [4]. Research studies have shown that custom-fitted mouthguards can significantly reduce the force transmitted to the head during impact, particularly in contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby [5].
2. Jaw Stabilization - Mouthguards also help stabilize the lower jaw during collisions, preventing the jaw from being driven into the base of the skull, which can contribute to concussions [6]. This jaw stabilization effect is particularly important in high-impact sports, where the jaw can act as a conduit for force transmission to the brain [7].

Custom-Fitted vs. Stock Mouthguards

Custom-fitted mouthguards offer superior protection compared to stock or boil-and-bite varieties [8]. Custom-fitted mouthguards are specifically designed to match the athlete's dental structure, providing optimal shock absorption and comfort [9]. Studies have indicated that athletes who wear custom-fitted mouthguards have lower concussions and dental injury rates compared to those who wear over-the-counter mouthguards [10].

Clinical Studies and Evidence

Recent studies in the field of sports medicine have underscored the effectiveness of mouthguards in reducing the incidence of concussions [11-12]. A longitudinal study involving over 1,000 athletes involved in contact sports showed a 45% reduction in concussion rates among those using custom-fitted mouthguards compared to athletes not using any mouthguards or using stock versions [13].  The research study also highlighted a significant decrease in dental injuries, further supporting the professional recommendation for mouthguard usage across contact sports [14].

 

 

 

Discussion

While mouthguards alone cannot entirely prevent concussions, they play a valuable role in reducing the severity of head injuries [15]. The growing body of evidence suggests that using custom-fitted mouthguards should be a standard practice in sports medicine, particularly for athletes engaged in high-contact sports [16]. As concussion protocols continue to evolve, integrating mouthguards into a comprehensive injury prevention strategy is essential for improving athlete safety and long-term health outcomes.

Conclusion

Dental mouthguards are critical tools in sports medicine. They offer protection beyond the teeth and jaw by reducing the risk of concussions. Custom-fitted mouthguards, in particular, have demonstrated superior effectiveness in impact absorption and concussion mitigation. As awareness of concussion risks increases, mouthguard usage should be promoted as an integral component of athlete safety protocols.

References

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