IMPACT TESTING OF 18 ADULT MOUTHGUARDS

Abstract

Mouthguards are used by sports participants to reduce dental injuries, but there is limited evidence of effectiveness of mouthguards. This research compared biomechanical impact performance data from 18 adult mouthguards available in New Zealand. Repeated impact testing was conducted on the centre of each mouthguard mounted on a dental model. The best mouthguards when impact absorption scores were considered were Avaro International, Shock Doctor Power Hilo v4.5 (upper/lower), and Signature Proplus Gel Type 3; The worst mouthguards were Shock Tec Classic and Professional moulded 1 senior custom laminated. Our impact results seem in contrast to other studies which support the belief that custom mouthguards provide superior protection against injury than boil-and-bite mouthguards (which are all usually EVA low stiffness).