Odontología deportiva y prevención de trauma dentoalveolar / Sports dentistry and prevention of dentoalveolar traumas

La odontología deportiva es la rama de la medicina deportiva que se ocupa de la prevención y el tratamiento de las lesiones bucodentales y las enfermedades orales asociadas al deporte y el ejercicio. Por lo que se hace necesario la intervención de profesionales de la salud bucodental para hacer evaluaciones del deportista y el deporte que practica para ver los riesgos que puede tener de desarrollar y sufrir lesiones bucodentales como traumas dentoalveolares y lesiones no cariosas. Y de este modo realizar las recomendaciones a cada paciente que practica deporte, de los elementos que deben usar como equipamiento bucodental para evitar o reducir el daño dentoalveolar (AU)

Sports dentistry is the branch of sports medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of oral injuries and oral diseases associated with sports and exercise. Therefore it is necessary the intervention of oral health professionals to make evaluations of the athlete and the sport he practices to see the risks that may have to develop and suffer oral injuries such as dentoalveolar trauma and non-carious lesions. And in this way make the recommendations to each patient who practices sports, of the elements that should be used as oral equipment to avoid or reduce dentoalveolar damage (AU)

Protetor Facial: relato de caso / Facial Mask: case report

A Odontologia do Esporte é uma nova especialidade odontológica, que tem, dentre os seus objetivos, prevenir, tratar e reabilitar atletas. Uma das atuações do cirurgião-dentista que atua nessa área é a confecção de protetores faciais e bucais individualizados. Atualmente, existe um maior número de investigação científica sobre protetores bucais que os faciais; consequentemente, os bucais são normatizados, e os faciais, ainda não. Eles são utilizados somente depois de o atleta ter sofrido traumas, porque evitam que o osso sofra refratura ou deslocamento, permitindo ao atleta não se manter temporariamente afastado da prática dos esportes... (AU)

Sports Dentistry is a new dental specialty whose goal is to prevent, treat and rehabilitate athletes. One of the activities of the dentist that acts with the Sports Dentistry is the confection of individualized facial masks and mouthguards. There is a greater number of scientific research on mouthguards than on facial masks, as a result of which mouthguards are normalized and facial masks not yet. They are used only after the athlete has suffered traumas, so with their use it prevents the bone from suffering refraction or displacement and allows the athlete not to stay temporarily away from the practice of sports... (AU)

Comparación del confort de dos protectores bucales en jugadores de fútbol americano / Comparing the comfort of two mouth protectors in football players

Los deportes de contacto aumentan el riesgo de traumatismo causando alteraciones funcionales, estéticas y psicológicas. Los protectores bucales son parte del equipo de seguridad que protegen al deportista de estos accidentes, es importante que brinde confort para lograr el mejor rendimiento físico. Objetivo: Comparar el confort de los jugadores de fútbol americano con el uso de protectores prefabricados y protectores personalizados. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, analítico y prospectivo donde se incluyeron 15 jugadores de futbol americano de la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Acatlán, UNAM, que firmaron consentimiento informado. La autora principal de este proyecto fabricó los protectores bucales superiores con hoja de copolímero de etilvinilacetato (EVA) #35. El protector prefabricado fue de silicón. Los jugadores realizaron dos prácticas de entrenamientos donde hicieron 30 minutos de carrera, 15 de estiramiento, 60 de fuerza y destreza en donde requerían de estar en constante comunicación verbal y 30 de cardiovascular en gimnasio (usaron un protector en cada entrenamiento). Se aplicó un cuestionario ­previamente validado por consenso de expertos­ para evaluar el confort en la respiración, lenguaje, náuseas, adaptación, comodidad e hidratación bucal con cada tipo de protector. La información se analizó en el programa SPSS v19.0; se usaron proporciones para las variables cualitativas y medidas de tendencia central y dispersión para las cuantitativas. Para comparar el confort con el uso de ambos protectores se empleó la prueba χ2, con un nivel de significancia p < 0.05. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 20 ± 2 años. Con el protector personalizado 11 jugadores (0.73) refirieron que respiraron y hablaron mejor, sintieron menos náusea 12 (0.80), mejor adaptación 11 (0.73) y mayor comodidad 12 (0.80) que, con el uso de protector bucal prefabricado, encontrando diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0.05) y ocho (0.53) refirió menos hidratación bucal (p > 0.05). Doce (0.80) de los jugadores mencionaron tener mayor confort con el protector personalizado. Conclusiones: Con la metodología empleada y en la muestra estudiada, el uso de un protector bucal personalizado fabricado con hoja de copolímero de etilvinilacetato (EVA) #35 ofrece una mejor adaptación y comodidad, después de dos prácticas de entrenamiento (AU)

The contact sports, increase the risk of trauma causing functional, aesthetic and psychological alterations, mouth guards are part of the safety equipment that protects the athlete from this kind of accidents, it is also important that the mouth guard had to provides comfort, for achieve a best physical performance. Objective: Make the comparison with the comfort of American football players with the use of prefabricated protectors and customized protectors. Method: A quasi-experimental, analytical and prospective study was carried out, including 15 American football players from the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Acatlán, UNAM, who signed an informed consent. The lead author of this project manufactured the upper mouth guards with ethylvinylacetate (EVA) #35 copolymer foil. The prefabricated protector was made of silicone. The players performed two practice sessions where they did 30 minutes of running, 15 of stretching, 60 of strength and skill where they required being in constant verbal communication and 30 of cardiovascular in a gymnasium (they used a protector in each training). A questionnaire ­previously validated by expert consensus­ was applied to evaluate comfort in breathing, language, nausea, adaptation, comfort and oral hydration with each type of protector. The information was analyzed in the program SPSS v19.0; proportions were used for the qualitative variables and measures of central tendency and dispersion for the quantitative ones. To compare the comfort with the use of both protectors the test χ2 was used, with a level of signifi cance p < 0.05. Results: The mean age was 20 ± 2 years. With the personalized protector, 11 players (0.73) reported that they breathed and spoke better, feeling less nausea 12 (0.80), better adaptation 11 (0.73) and greater comfort 12 (0.80) than with the use of prefabricated mouth guards, fi nding statistically signifi cant diff erences (p < 0.05) and 8 (0.53) reported less oral hydration (p > 0.05). 12 (0.80) of players mentioned having more comfort with the custom protector. Conclusions: The use of a personalized mouth guard off ers better fi t and comfort made with sheet copolymer of ethylvinylacetate, after two training practices (AU)

Protector bucal por laminado a presión en paciente deportista / Pressure lamination technique mouthguard for athlete patient

RESUMEN: El traumatismo dentoalveolar incluye un conjunto de lesiones que afectan a los dientes y/o estructuras de soporte a consecuencia de un impacto violento directo o indirecto. Debido a que por lo general comprometen el sector anterior generan cambios físicos, fonéticos, psicológicos y dietarios, que pueden afectar significativamente la calidad de vida de pacientes afectados por este traumatismo. Los protectores bucales son considerados la principal medida para minimizar y/o evitar estos traumatismos. El presente artículo describe el tratamiento y procedimientos para realizar un protector bucal por laminado a presión en un paciente deportista con historia previa de traumatismo dentoalveolar en incisivos centrales superiores.

ABSTRACT: Traumatic dental injuries involve lesions that affect teeth and/or adjacent supporting structures as a consequence of direct or indirect violent impact. Due to As it affects the anterior teeth, in most of the cases, it provokes changes in the physical appearance, altering phonetics, psychology and the diet of the affected subject. These changes may significantly alter the quality of life of patients affected by this type of trauma. Mouthguards are considered the primary appliance for minimizing and/or avoiding dental trauma. The present article describes the treatment and procedures to perform a mouthguard by pressure lamination technique in a patient that who practices sports and with a history of trauma affecting the upper central incisors.

A clinical study of SIMI mouthguard paint in the treatment of enamel demineralization during orthodontic therapy with fixed applince / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of SIMI mouthguard paint(test group) in the treatment of enamel demineralization during orthodontic therapy with fixed applince.Methods:152 cases underwent orthodontic therapy with fixed applince were included in a randomized,open,positive control trial,and were treated by SIMI and Duraphant fluoride toothpast (control group) respectively(n =76).The enamel opaque spot was observed before and 3 months after using the products.The oral mucosa reactions,asthma attacks or stomach nausea and other adverse events were recorded.Results:150 cases (n =75) completed the trial.The results showed that the test group was non-inferior compared with the control group.No adverse event was found in both groups.Conclusion:SIMI mouthguard paint is effective in control of enamel demineralization during orthodontic therapy with fixed applince.

Odontología en el deporte: ¿sólo un protector bucal?: [Editorial] / Sports dentistry: just a mouthguard deal?: [Editorial]

Muchas veces se interpreta que entre los odontólogos y los deportistas media sólo un protector bucal. Hoy se considera que la odontología es tan importante como la nutrición y la psicología, las cuales integran el equipo médico de entidades deportivas, sobre todo en los ámbitos de alto rendimiento y profesionalismo. La odontología que se practica a los deportistas no difiere de la que se presta a cualquier otro paciente. Las prácticas odontológicas dependen, en todo caso, de las características propias de esa población, las que determinan una atención diferenciada o adaptada. Nuestra tarea abarca la prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las distintas patologías y lesiones. La actuación en el área de la atención primaria de la salud nos conecta con deportistas, lo cual aporta experiencias que guían nuestras acciones. En cuanto a los protectores bucales, necesarios en los deportes de contacto, existen diferentes tipos, espesores y características que se adaptan al deporte en cuestión y a la edad de quien lo practica; y también existen diferentes procedimientos para su confección. Por todo esto, debemos apuntar a que los pacientes acudan a nosotros, en lugar de adquirir directamente en los comercios los dispositivos que pueden no ser apropiados.

Many times, it is believed that a mouthguard is all thatseparates athletes from dentists. Dentistry is nowadays consideredto play an important role in medical support of high performance sport teams as well as nutrition or psychologyand more so in professional practice. Dental care providedto athletes is obviously not different from that performed inregular patients.The difference is given by the distinctive features presentedby them, which will require treatment adapted to their specialneeds. As dentists, we also know that our work includesprevention, diagnosis and subsequent treatment of differentlesions and pathologies. Since our field of action is withinprimary health care, an initial consultation with the athletewill provide the information that will guide our counseling, treatment, and regular controls. Regarding physical contact sports where a mouthguard might be indicated, differenttypes, thicknesses and materials are available as well as different processing techniques. All of these possibilities can beused to motivate athletes for dental consultation leading themto avoid standard devices that are sold in sport stores.

Prevalence of Maxillofacial Trauma and use of Mouthguard by Student Athletes in São Luís, Northeastern Brazil

Objective:To estimate the prevalence of maxillofacial trauma (MT) during sporting activities and to compare the level of knowledge and use of mouthguard (MG) by athletes from the public andprivate school system of São Luís, MA, Brazil. Material and Methods:Cross-sectional study in which a target population composed of 416 competition student athletes aged between 10 and 20 years of both genders, basketball (n=100), handball (n=60), soccer (n=96), judo (n=11), karate (n=22) and volleyball (n=127) players were interviewed by a single examiner. A structured questionnaire containing six objective questions about history of MT, knowledge and use of MG was used. Data were statistically analyzed using the x2 test (α= 0.05). Results:A 26% prevalence of MT was observed in the study population. The knowledge of MG as a method for preventing injuries during sport practice was significant (p<0.05); however, its use by athletes was minimal. A difference in the use of MGby athletes from public and private schools was observed (p<0.05). Conclusion:It was concluded that more than one fourth of the study population was affected by some kind of MT, highlighting dichotomy between the knowledge of MG as prevention method and its non-use during sporting practice

Sports dentistry: a perspective for the future

Sports Dentistry (SD) acts in the prevention, maintenance and treatment of oral and facial injuries, as well as the collection and dissemination of information on dental trauma, beyond stimulus to research. Establishes as a duty for the dentist detect problems related to the athlete's stomatognathic system. This essay is based on the provided data from the literature related to SD, including definition, practice areas and research fields. To discuss the data, six areas were categorized: shares in sports dentistry; oral health of athlete; sports-related dental implications; dental-facial trauma; face shields; and mouthguards. The analyzed data show that the SD is still an underexplored field of action by dentists, but it is expanding, despite not being recognized specialty by the Federal Council of Dentistry, but the Brazilian Academy of Sports Dentistry has been created with a mission to show the real importance of Dentistry in sport. The dentist should be part of the group of professionals associated with the athlete to perform periodic checks in order to ensure oral health which may contribute to athletes´performance. When impact occurs, however, it would be possible reduce the severity of the impact related to injuries, by using helmets, masks, goggles, face shields and mouthguard. Additionally, it is imperative that dentists, sports coaching, athletes, and professional who work with athletes be aware of the benefits of incorporating SD as an important academic and professional subject.

Finite element analysis of the effects of a mouthguard on stress distribution of facial bone and skull under mandibular impacts / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a mouthguard on stress distribution under mandibular impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The FEM model of head consisted of skull, maxilla, mandible, articular disc, teeth, and mouthguard. The impact locations on mandible were gnathion, the center of inferior border, and the anterior edge of gonial angle. And the impact directions were vertical, oblique (45degrees), and horizontal. The impact load was 800 N for 0.1 sec. RESULTS: When vertical impact was applied, the similar stress and the distribution pattern was occurred without the relation of the mouthguard use (P>.05). The model with mouthguard was dispersed the stress to the teeth, the facial bone and the skull when the oblique (45degrees) impacts were happened. However, the stress was centralized on the teeth in the model without mouthguard (P<.05). The model with mouthguard was dispersed the stress to the teeth, the facial bone and the skull when the horizontal impacts was occurred. However, the stress was centralized on the teeth without mouthguard (P<.05). For all impact loads, stress concentrated on maxillary anterior teeth in model without mouthguard, on the contrary, the stress was low in the model with mouthguard and distributed broadly on maxillary anterior teeth, facial bone, and skull. CONCLUSION: The mouthguard was less effective at shock absorbing when vertical impact was added. However, it was approved that mouthguard absorbed the shock regarded to the oblique (45degrees) and horizontal impact by dispersing the shock to the broader areas and decreasing the stress.

Sport-related oral injuries and mouthguard use among athletes in Kelantan, Malaysia

To assess their awareness and usage of mouthguard and occurrence of sports-related oral injuries in athletes who involve in various sports activities in Kota Bharu. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 180 athletes aged 12 to 27 years. A structured interviewer-guided questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of oral injuries sustained during sport activities, the use of mouthguard as well as the athletes’ awareness of mouthguard use. The respondents consisted of 107 males (59.5%) and 73 females (40.5%) with a mean age of 16.7 years (SD 5.53). There were 60 (22.2%) athletes who had one or more types of sports-related oral injuries sustained. Laceration of lips, tongue and gums were the most frequent injuries (57.5%) while loosening of teeth and fracture of teeth sustained in 12.5% and 10.0% of athletes respectively. Malay traditional martial arts silat athletes, 17(68.0%) experienced the highest oral injuries among athletes. The prevalence of oral injuries was significantly different between ball sports, martial arts and other non-contact sports (p=0.002). Sixty-one athletes (33.9%) reported that they were aware of mouthguard; however none of the athletes used the mouthguards during their sports activities. Malay traditional martial arts silat was the most common susceptible to sustain oral injuries. None of the athletes were wearing mouthguard. Education on prevention of orofacial trauma should be given to the coaches and athletes. Wearing of mouthguard during sport activities should be compulsory during practice and competition events.

Finite element analysis of the effects of mouthguard produced by combination of layers of different materials on teeth and jaw / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the stress distribution of teeth and jaw on load by differentiating property of materials according to each layer of widely used mouthguard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Korean adult having normal cranium and mandible was selected to examine. A customized mouthguard was constructed by use of DRUFOMAT plate and DRUFOMAT-TE/-SQ of Dreve Co. according to Signature Mouthguard system. The cranium was scanned by means of computed tomography with 1mm interval. It was modeled with CANTIBio BIONIX/Body Builder program and simulated and interpreted using Alter HyperMesh program. The mouthguard was classified as follows according to the layers. (1) soft guard (Bioplast)(SG) (2) hard guard (Duran)(HG) (3) medium guard (Drufomat)(MG) (4) soft layer + hard layer (SG + HG) (5) hard layer + soft layer (HG + SG) (6) soft layer + hard layer + soft layer (SG + HG + SG) (7) hard layer + soft layer + hard layer (HG + SG + HG) The impact locations on mandible were gnathion, the center of inferior border, and the anterior edge of gonial angle. And the impact directions were oblique (45degrees). The impact load was 800 N for 0.1 sec. The stress distribution was measured at maxillary teeth, TMJ and maxilla. The statistics were conducted using Repeated ANOVA and in case of difference, Duncan test was used as post analysis. RESULTS: In teeth and maxilla, the mouthguard contacting soft layer of mandibular teeth presented lowest stress measure and, in contrast, in condyle, the mouthguard contacting hard layer of mandibular teeth presented lowest stress measure. CONCLUSION: For all impact directions, soft layer + hard layer + soft layer, the mouthguard with three layers which the hard layer is sandwiched between two soft layers, showed relatively even distribution of stress in impact.

Mouthguard for relief of repeated clenching stress to cervical restorations during exercises / 대한치과보존학회지

Mouthguards were used to protect boxers from lip lacerations and other soft tissue injuries in the late 19th century. Now they are used various parts of dental treatment, which are sports protective aid, bleaching tray, orthodontic retainer, implant insertion guide tray, splint and so on. Repeated dislodgement of Class V restoration due to habitual clenching stress should be restored with stress control. Mouthguard can be used as stress relief device. This case describes methods that can relieve occlusal force to teeth by using mouthguard. Satisfactory results can be obtained by using mouthguard for retention of repeated dislodgement Class V restorations. If patients suffered from repeated restorations of Class V due to clenching, mouthguard can be used additional device to relieve the occlusal stress in conservative dentistry.

Mechanical behavior of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate copolymer (EVA) used for fabrication of mouthguards and interocclusal splints

In the present investigation, an experimental dental arch model fabricated in epoxy was assayed in Kratos universal testing machine to study the mechanical behavior of ethylene and vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) in the form of mouthguard for sports and flat plate. The following variables were considered: thickness (3 and 4-mm plates), temperature (room and mouth temperature) and presence/absence of artificial saliva. Mechanical properties of EVA were tested under compressive strength: apparent absorbed energy (J.mm-1), maximum tension (N.mm-1), maximum dislocation (mm) and maximum strength (N). Data were recorded and modeled mathematically. Regarding the absorbed energy, maximum tension and maximum force, it was verified that the higher the thickness of the mouthguards, the better the results of force dissipation and redirection to the system and to several regions of the dental arch. In the presence of saliva and close to mouth temperature, the material responded positively to these alterations, resenting increased ductibility as well as improved mechanical responses. Regarding maximum dislocation, it was observed a better accommodation of the occlusion under conditions that simulate those observed in the oral environment. In conclusion, EVA proved to be an adequate material for fabrication of mouthguards and interocclusal splints. In addition, EVA showed good results in force dissipation and demonstrated a shock-absorbing capacity and a great protection potential.

Um modelo experimental de arco dentário, obtido em epóxi, acoplado a uma máquina universal de ensaios Kratos, foi utilizado para estudar o comportamento mecânico do copolímero de etileno e acetato de vinila (EVA), na forma de protetor bucal para esporte e placa plana. As seguintes variáveis foram observadas: espessura (lâminas de 3 e 4 mm), temperatura (ambiente e bucal) e presença ou ausência de saliva artificial. As propriedades mecânicas do EVA, foram testadas ao esforço compressivo: energia aparente absorvida (J.mm-1), tensão máxima (N.mm-1), deslocamento máximo (mm) e força máxima (N). Dados foram registrados e modelados matematicamente. Considerando a energia aparente absorvida, tensão máxima e força máxima, verificou-se que com o aumento da espessura dos protetores bucais houve melhores resultados de dissipação de forças compressivas e seu redirecionamento para o sistema e diversas regiões do arco dental. Com a presença de saliva e temperatura próxima a bucal o material respondeu positivamente a essas alterações aumentando sua ductibilidade apresentando assim melhora em sua resposta mecânica. Com respeito ao deslocamento máximo observou-se que houve melhor acomodação da oclusão quando em condições próximas à bucal. Conclue-se que o EVA provou ser um material adequado para a confecção de protetores bucais para esporte e placas interoclusais.O EVA mostrou melhores resultados na dissipação de forças demonstrando sua grande capacidade amortecedora e grande potencial de proteção.

The survey on oral health and maxillofacial trauma incidence of the sports players in Korea / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In spite of increasing sports injury, there was no collected data on the rate and type of dental injuries for athletes in Korea. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of maxillofacial injuries and attitude of college sports player in Korea towards mouthguard. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total 617 athletes answered a series of questionnaire concerning their sports injury and using mouthguard. RESULTS: 1. 81%(502) of athletes had, playing or training a sports, suffered an injury. Female athletes suffered an injury more than male athletes(p<0.05). Contact sports athletes were injured more than non contact sports athletes(p<0.05). 2. 335 athletes(54.8%) had suffered maxillofacial injuries while playing or training. 81.8% of athletes suffered an maxillofacial injury in contact sports(p<0.05). 3. Laceration of oral area, wrick in neck, fracture or avulsion on upper incisors, concussion, TMJ injury, fracture or avulsion on lower incisors, fracture or avulsion on lower molars were frequently injured area. 4. 67.2% of athletes answered that mouthguard could prevent sports injury especially high in contact sports(p<0.05). But only 39.1% of athletes required mouthguard while playing. 44.6% of athletes showed their intention of using mouthguard. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the incidence of maxillofacial injuries is very high while the actual use of mouthguard is very low. To prevent sports injury, a dentist must inform sports players and coaches of accurate information about mouthguard so that they can use it well. A dentist also has to provide them with better mouthguard on the basis of user's complaint.

Effect of a mouthguard on stress distribution in teeth, maxilla and mandible for maxilla and mandibular impact using finite element analysis / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The use of mouthguard is important as the leisure life is popular today. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a mouthguard on stress distribution in teeth, maxilla and mandible for maxilla impact. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 3-dimensional finite element model was based on a CT scan film of an average korean adult when the subject is using a customized mouthguard which was made with the Signature Mouthguard system of Dreve. The load was applied to the upper central incisor cervical area parellel impact force for 0.1sec(L1), The Von-mises stress analysis with a mouthguard and without a mouthguard was compared. RESULTS: The results of this study were as follows: 1. Without the mouthguard, stress was concentrated on teeth and alveolar bone in all load conditions. 2. With the mouthguard, maximum stress value was decreased and stress was dispersed in all load conditions. 3. Stress extinction with the mouthguard was faster than without the mouthguard in all load conditions. CONCLUSION: We acknowledged that the mouthguard has a stress buffer effect as the maximum stress value was decreased and stress was dispersed when impact force was applied.

CONCERNING THE INFLUENCE OF WEARING BITE UP ORAL APPLIANCE ON REACTION TIME OF THE EXERCISE / 体力科学

It is thought that for some sports so called the “agility” accomplishes the key role from the viewpoint of the improvement of the performance and the injury prevention. Therefore we examined the influence of bite up with the oral appliances on the agility.Tested sporting event were cervical retroflexed force. EVA mouthguard and resin splint were used for the oral appliances. Reaction time was measured as a response to stimulated light by the activating time of the masseter muscle and activating time of the main muscle.It is found the reaction time of neck muscles movement tends to be shortened by wearing of the oral appliances.These results were seemed to be based on decrease of a free way space by the bite up with the oral appliances resulted in shortening the reaction time of the masseter and the stabilized occlusion.(141 words)

Study of mouthguard clear tray with psychiatric patients in Srithanya Hospital.

Because of limited resources, most Electro Convulsive Therapy is done in Thailand are unmodified method. One of the most common complications of this treatment is injury of the oral cavity. This study was made to compare the degree of oral cavity injures in psychiatric patients treated by unmodified ECT with those who used the conventional wooden tongue blade covered with cotton-gauze, ad those who used a mouth guard clear tray, 80 patients were recruited. They were randomly allocated to two groups, the experimental group using a mouth guard clear tray and the control group using a wooden tongue blade covered with cotton-gauze. Oral cavity examination was made before and after treatment in both groups by a qualified dentist who was unaware of the group to which each patient belonged. The results showed that the experimental group experienced fewer oral cavity complications than the control group at the significant level of 0.01 (p<0.01).