Mouthguards;

Abstract

… Introduction: Contemporary dentistry has shifted its paradigm from therapeutic to preventive. Dento-alveolar injuries are quiet frequently reported and sports remain as one of the major cause. In Pakistan contact sports like boxing, hockey, football etc are actively played at all levels. It is the need of the hour to prevent the dental and dento-alveolar injuries resulting from these. Literature suggests that mouthguard is the best option available. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness about mouthguards in final year students, PG trainees, and faculty of University College of Dentistry and private dental practitioners of Lahore. Also the results shall be utilized to assess the need of awareness programmes that can be of help to the dentist and help serve the community. Study Design: cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. Setting: Study was carried out in University College of Dentistry and private practitioners of Lahore. Period: Study was carried out over a period of 6 months. Material and Methods: 87% responded to questionnaire distributed from a sample of 200. Results: Results show that the students had the least knowledge (63%) whereas 100% of the assistant professors and above had knowledge of mouthguard. general dentists and the senior faculty was the one with higher percentages which recommended mouthguards 53% and 80% respectively. Conclusion: Results lead to the conclusion that there is a need to improve the competency level of the dentists regarding mouthguards, their benefits, fabrication etc. so they can educate the patients, promote the use if mouthguards and limit the incidence of injuries. Further research projects need to be funded to highlight the importance of mouthguards and their use should be encouraged.

Modeling the Contact Interaction of a Pair of Antagonist Teeth through Individual Protective Mouthguards of Different Geometric Configuration

“…Today, one of the most effective ways to avoid dental injuries is the use of a mouthguard [ 8 ]. As various mouthguard designs exist on the market, there is a need for computer modeling of biomechanical behavior, both of the structures themselves and of the materials from which they are made [ 9 ].…”