Custom mouthguards, especially those fabricated with the injection molding technique of Corflex Orthodontic, were shown to be superior to standard mouthguards in terms of their comfort and users' subjective impressions of their protective function.

Mouthguards do not significantly disturb basic functions of the stomatognathic system. Standard Porida mouthguards were shown to have the most unfavourable effect on oral functions.

The usability of custom mouthguards, especially the ones molded from Corflex, was rated much higher than that of self-adapted mouthguards. Thus, it is the custom mouthguards that should be suggested to and fitted in patients prone to orofacial injuries.

Dental trauma is common result of epileptic seizures. It is necessary to implement prophylactic management to prevent hard and soft tissues injuries, for example by using custom-made mouthguards. Moreover, specially designed dental programs for this group of patients should be provided.

Introduction. Regular use of mouthguards requires proper arrangements for their disinfection and sanitization. Incorrect or infrequent hygiene procedures may lead to inflammatory infection in the oral cavity. Prevention measures also involve periodical replacement of mouthguards due to the growth of microorganisms on their surface, along with increasing porosity on use. Buying a new protective occlusal splint is also recommended in the event of an inflammatory lesion in the mouth, and after infection of the respiratory system. Aim of the study. To assess usage and hygiene maintenance of elastic mouthguards by athletes practicing various sports disciplines. Methods. A group of 1279 mouthguard users were surveyed, including questions about demographic background of participants, hygiene habits and storage of protective splints. Statistical analysis of the results was performed; the level of statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. Results. It was revealed that 5% of the interviewed athletes (60 individuals) do not cleanse their mouthguards. Most of the surveyed participants (85.5%) rinse the splint with water after wearing it. Only every fifth athlete replaces the mouthguard at regular intervals, regardless of its condition; half of the respondents do it when it is completely deformed, and one-third do it after loss of smoothness of its surface. About 20% of athletes have never replaced their protective occlusal splint. All results showed statistical significance. Conclusions. Athletes’ awareness of proper usage, storage and sanitization of mouthguards is not sufficient.

Introduction. The application of flexible occlusal splints in therapy of the stomatognatic system is recommended for short-term use only because of the risk of muscle overloading or occlusal plane disorders. Mouthguards used in prevention of head and mouth injuries are a modification of occlusal splints. They are made of flexible material with properties enabling absorption of impact energy. Due to regular use during trainings and competitions they may have an impact on the incidence of stomatognatic system ailments. Aim of the study. To assess the factors determining the choice of a mouthguard type and its influence on the stomatognatic system. Material and methods. A survey was conducted among 1279 mouthguard users to collect demographic data and information concerning mouthguards on the occurrence of problems arising from their use including pain in the area of the stomatognatic system. Statistical analysis of the results was also performed. Results. 36% athletes with standard mouthguards, 37% with “boil and bite” and 44% with custom-made ones have a tendency towards strong clenching of dental arches. Participants using a custom-made mouthguard reported chewing muscle fatigue more often than the users of the standard and “boil and bite” type, but they did not report any pain located in the area of temporomandibular joint. People experiencing fatigue and with a strong clenching of dental arches tendency significantly more often choose a type considering its retention ability, whereas pain in the temporomandibular joint area does not influence their preferences. Athletes, who declare teeth clenching, more frequently indicate the retention factor as important. Conclusion. It is necessary to conduct further research on the use of mouthguards considering their impact on the stomatognatic system.

Purpose: Mouthguards are commonly used in the prevention of head and mouth injuries in many sport disciplines. Elastic polymeric materials used in their fabrication absorb the energy of impact. However, decontamination procedures may cause damage to their surface causing deterioration of their properties and favouring pathogen colonization. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of different cleaning methods on mouthguard materials, surface quality. Methods: The material for the research consisted of 81 samples made from polymeric materials used for custom mouthguard fabrication-Impak, Corflex Orthodontic and Erkoflex. Samples were viewed under a scanning electron microscope after exposure to different cleaning methods. Results: Statistical analysis of tested decontamination procedures and disinfecting agents showed statistically important (p < 0.05) results for the presence of small and big separated pieces, grooves and holes. Out of all the cases the lowest indicator for occurrence was in the disinfecting spray-Aftermat. Conclusions: Considering the importance of the surface material of the mouthguard, disinfection should be the method of choice for maintaining its hygiene. Impak material samples, cleaned with the Aftermat spray, showed the lowest range of damage.

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