Effects of cleaning sports mouthguards with ethylene-vinyl acetate on oral bacteria

Abstract

Background Sports mouthguards, worn in the oral cavity to prevent sports injuries, are constantly exposed to various microorganisms that cause oral infections. Hence, the optimal cleaning methods for sports mouthguards have been thoroughly examined. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of cleaning effects with a mouthguard cleaner (MC) on microbial biofilm formation in sports mouthguards in vitro and in vivo. Methods We evaluated the cleaning effects of the discs produced by ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) on bacterial biofilms formed by the commensal bacterium Streptococcus oralis, the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, and the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. EVA discs with biofilm were subjected to sterile distilled water (CTRL) and ultrasonic washing (UW), followed by treatment with MC and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) as positive controls. Thereafter, the viable bacterial cell counts were determined. The bacteria adhering to the sheets before and after the treatment were observed under an electron microscope. The degree of cleanliness and measurement of viable microbial cell counts for total bacteria, Streptococci and Candida, opportunistic fungi, were evaluated on the used experimental sports mouthguards with and without UW and MC treatment in vivo. Results The number of bacterial cells significantly decreased against all the tested biofilm bacteria upon treatment with MC, compared with CTRL and UW. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the biofilm formation by all bacteria on the EVA discs before cleaning. We observed fewer bacteria on the EVA discs treated with MC than those treated with CTRL and UW. Furthermore, the degree of cleanliness of the used experimental sports mouthguards cleaned using MC was significantly higher than that of the CTRL-treated mouthguards. Moreover, the viable microbial cell counts on the used experimental sports mouthguard were considerably lower than those on the CTRL ones. Conclusion The cleaning effect of MC against oral bacteria was more effective than that of UW. MC treatment might have a potential future application as a cleaning method for sports mouthguards to protect athletes from oral infection.

Enhancing mouthguard longevity: Impact of surface treatment against aging from brushing and disinfectant exposure

“…In the present study, all groups exhibited values higher than 0.2 μm, indicating that the EVA surface is sufficiently rough for bacterial colonization. This finding emphasizes the necessity of regular daily cleaning for this device, just as other studies have shown 23 . Moreover, the results indicate that the surface roughness does not become more pronounced following these procedures.…”

“…This finding emphasizes the necessity of regular daily cleaning for this device, just as other studies have shown. 23 Moreover, the results indicate that the surface roughness does not become more pronounced following these procedures.…”

Effect of different materials for conventional and 3D‐printed models on the mechanical properties of ethylene‐vinyl acetate utilized for fabricating custom‐fit mouthguards

“…Maintaining a smooth surface is crucial to ensure adequate hygiene of the MTG. 30,31 Custom-fit MTGs need to properly fit the teeth and soft tissues. 2 This is typically achieved through individualized impression(s) of the maxillary arch and production of the final cast model, which can be performed by conventional or digital techniques.…”

“…The irregular internal surface of the MTG can also cause soft tissue irritation and discomfort, making the MTG unfit for use. Maintaining a smooth surface is crucial to ensure adequate hygiene of the MTG 30,31 …”