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Attitudinal factors influencing mouthguard utilization
1Department of Instructional Services, Planning and Accountability, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, USA. dlanca@lsusd.lsumc.edu
Dental Clinics of North America
|January 15, 2000
Summary
Mouthguards are crucial for athletic injury prevention, but low usage persists due to poor attitudes and understanding among athletes, coaches, and parents. Increased education and comfortable designs can improve mouthguard adoption in sports.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Athletic Training
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Protective mouthguards are vital for preventing injuries in sports.
- Despite evidence, mouthguard use is not mandated in most sports and compliance is low.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the attitudes of coaches, officials, parents, and players regarding mouthguard usage.
- To identify factors influencing mouthguard adoption and non-compliance in sports.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on attitudes towards mouthguard use.
- Analysis of perceived barriers to mouthguard adoption among key stakeholders.
Main Results:
- Coaches significantly influence player mouthguard use.
- Officials show reluctance in enforcing mouthguard rules.
- Parents lack full understanding of mouthguard benefits.
- Players resist due to comfort, breathing, speech, and image concerns.
Conclusions:
- Improving mouthguard usage requires addressing stakeholder attitudes.
- Education on effectiveness, comfort, and regulation expansion are key strategies.
- Targeted interventions can enhance mouthguard adoption and player safety.