EFFECTIVENESS OF CUSTOM MOUTHGUARDS IN PREVENTING OROFACIAL INJURIES IN ATHLETES: CASE REPORTS AND INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Contact sports increase the risk of orofacial injuries, such as tooth fractures and temporomandibular joint disorders. Custom mouthguards, made by dental surgeons, offer superior protection to generic models, which have poor fit and effectiveness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of custom mouthguards, made by dental surgeons, in preventing orofacial injuries in athletes, considering materials, thickness, comfort, impact on performance, user perception, and behavioral factors that influence adherence to use, such as aesthetics, knowledge, and professional guidance. A qualitative and descriptive study was conducted, consisting of a clinical case report and an integrative literature review. The integrative review served as a theoretical basis for critical analysis and discussion of the clinical findings. Thirty-three articles published between 2020 and 2025 on mouthguard construction were analyzed, selected based on relevance and availability criteria. Three athletes from different sports: bodybuilding, jiu-jitsu, and volleyball, were monitored and fitted with custom mouthguards. All participants were informed about the research objectives and procedures and signed an informed consent form. This case report presents the design and fitting of custom mouthguards for jiu-jitsu, volleyball, and bodybuilding athletes, in line with the literature that indicates greater efficacy, comfort, and protection of these devices compared to generic models. The improved sense of security and adherence to regular use observed in the athletes confirm the importance of customization and professional guidance in sports dentistry. These cases reinforce the need to expand the clinical use of custom mouthguards and the role of dentists in optimizing the prevention of orofacial injuries in different sports. Custom mouthguards are effective in preventing orofacial injuries, offering greater comfort and adherence. Therefore, the role of the dentist is essential in the design and use of mouthguards. Despite the benefits, adherence remains low, highlighting the need for public policies and education to expand their use in sports.