Exploring the use of mouth guards in Muay Thai: a questionnaire survey

OBJECTIVE: To identify Muay Thai participants' attitudes towards use of mouth guards and their experiences of dental trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was used to record Muay Thai participants' experiences and opinions regarding use of mouth guards. Participants were recruited from a Muay Thai gym in the north east of England. RESULTS: 92 respondents took part in the survey. 3% reported having never worn a mouth guard, whereas 61% reported routinely wearing mouth guards during a fight. Significantly more (73%) younger participants (18–29 years) reported wearing mouth guards during fights compared to those aged 30 years and older (50%) (p < 0.05). Mouth-formed ('boil and bite') were the most frequently used type of mouth guard (60% of users), followed by custom-made mouth guards provided by a dentist (32%). Factors such as protection, breathing, good fit and comfort were all considered important in the choice of mouth guard. Fourteen percent of respondents had experienced dental injuries, with chipped/broken teeth being the most common. CONCLUSION: Given the risk for dental trauma in Muay Thai, it is important that participants are advised regarding mouth guard use, particularly those that do not routinely wear them.