The results of the research suggested that high school football players wearing store-bought, over-the-counter (OTC) mouthguards were more than twice as likely to suffer mild traumatic brain injures (MTBI)/concussions than those wearing custom-made, properly fitted mouthguards.
The study followed 412 players from six high school football teams. Three teams (220 athletes) were randomly assigned to wear custom-made mouthguards, and three teams (192 athletes) wore standard OTC mouthguards of their own choosing.
Every year, players are treated for dental trauma that could have been prevented by wearing this basic piece of safety gear. Dental Health Services Victoria recommends custom-fitted mouthguards over the ‘boil and bite’ variety as these provide the most effective protection.
Most private dentists are able to provide custom-fitted mouthguards.
Following a brief dental appointment, the mouthguard is normally available for collection within a few days.
- A mouthguard should fit snugly but still be comfortable.
- It should be odourless and tasteless and allow the wearer to speak without much discomfort as well as breathe and swallow normally.
- It is also important that a mouthguard is at least 4mm thick to provide protection against impact.
More information about how to prevent dental trauma is available on our Mouthguards page.