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.

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.

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.

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.

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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A B S T R AC TIntroduction: The use of intraoral mouthguards is the basic method of preventing injuries of the stomato gnathic system while practicing extreme, contact, team and recreational sports. However, the presence of a protec tive splint in the mouth, especially during exercise, when increased oxygen uptake is needed, may adversely affect the level of blood oxygenation. It is also necessary to compare different types of splint as they differ in retention, size and comfort of usage. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of different intraoral mouthguard types for the cardio respiratory capacity of athletes. Material and methods: Thirty athletes aged 2037, testing a total of 120 intraoral mouthguards of different typestwo custommade mouthguards prepared and two "boil and bite" splints adapted -took part in the study, in which cardiorespiratory capacity was compared using CRF, IF, METs and Watt indicators, based on tests conducted on the Fitmate device correlated with a stationary exercise bike. Results: The analysis of variance showed no differences between the compared parameters regardless of the tested mouthguard. The use of intraoral mouthguards during exercise does not affect the cardiorespiratory endurance of athletes. Conclusions: Mouthguards users, trainers and doctors should be informed about the lack of a negative impact of its usage during training and competition on cardiorespiratory endurance.