CONTROLLED RANDOMIZED STUDIES: CUSTOM-MADE vs. BOIL AND BITE MOUTHGUARDS
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 07 Sep 2012
A dental school in Washington recently conducted a controlled randomized trial to determine if mouthguards influence the strength and performance of collegiate athletes.
?Mouthguards are considered as effective and cost efficient devices aimed at buffering the impact or blows that may otherwise cause moderate to severe dental and maxillofacial injuries.?
Besides these roles, some ?claim that they also enhance athletic performance.?
Thus a study to evaluate and compare the effect of two different types of mouthguards on collegiate athletes was conducted.
Two types of mouthguards, one an over the counter boil and bite mouthguard and the other, a custom made mouthguard were used in the studies.
Physical tests aimed at evaluating the strength and performances of the athletes were used. These included the use of a 3-stroke maximum power ergometer and a 1600m run while wearing the mouthguards
At the conclusion of the studies, it was determined that custom made mouthguards did not have detrimental effect on athletic strength and performance and were reported to be comfortable and not causing breathing difficulties.
In contrast, boil and bite mouthguards did not perform as well. They had a slight negative impact on athletic performance which the authors attributed to breathing difficulties and discomfort.
From this writer?s point of view, the above studies further showed the importance of selecting which types of mouthguards to use when involved with contact sports.
Certainly, if boil and bite mouthguards caused discomfort and breathing difficulties, one can readily conclude that the over-the-counter stock mouthguards will do worse. These mouthguards which are manufactured and sold without regards to fit and comfort, much less protection are the most uncomfortable and least functional among all mouthguards.
Further, the study possibly demonstrated that custom made mouthguards are the only way to go.
However, as good as they are, this writer cautions athletes as to who make ?custom made? mouthguards for them.
Given the right equipment and correct materials, most dental technician can fabricate a custom made mouthguard based on the prescription of a licensed dentist.
But that?s where their role should end.
Athletes should not allow dental technicians to take their impressions much less fit their mouthguards because they are not properly trained and licensed to do so. Those functions belong to the dentists.
In conclusion, based on the many studies thus far on mouthguards, this writer strongly suggests that athletes use custom made mouthguards. When properly made and then fitted by licensed dentists, they are proven to be the most cost effective means to prevent or reduce the traumatic dental injuries in contact sports.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Growth of Boxing
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 29 Aug 2025Toshihiko Era Retains WBF Asia Strap in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 29 Aug 2025Boxlab Promotions Signs Rising Cuban Prospects Ronny Alvarez and Pedro Veitia
Fri, 29 Aug 2025Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
Fri, 29 Aug 2025Vayson vies for WBA/WBO titles
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 28 Aug 2025Mexican "The Rock" Zamora, three-time female world champion with 20 world championship fights, retires
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 28 Aug 2025“I’M ONLY GETTING BETTER”: CONFIDENT PAT McCORMACK PLOTS HUGE HOMECOMING WIN OVER MIGUEL PARRA TO SPARK WORLD TITLE CHARGE
Thu, 28 Aug 2025Heart of a Lion: 'Lucky Boy' Reymark Alicaba Earns Praise Despite Loss by Points in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 28 Aug 2025Dante Kirkman Looks to be the First Fighter to Stop Dylan Carlson
Thu, 28 Aug 2025Shawn Darling Inducted into New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame
Thu, 28 Aug 2025Arca wins 13th Mindanao Open chessfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 28 Aug 2025Carzano rules FIDE-Rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 Aug 2025Pythons-Primo wins 5 golds, 3 silvers, 2 bronzes in Kadayawan judo
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 28 Aug 2025Crawford to Be Stripped of WBA Title Once He Climb the Ring to Fight Canelo
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 27 Aug 2025Sebastian Juarez Remains Undefeated with Captivating 4th Round TKO Over Louis Hernandez
Wed, 27 Aug 2025