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Microbiota found in protective athletic mouthguards
Richard T Glass1, Robert S Conrad, Gerwald A Köhler
1Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Sports Health
|September 28, 2012
Summary
Protective athletic mouthguards (PAM) become contaminated with microorganisms during use. Daily soaking of PAM in an antimicrobial solution significantly reduces this microbial load, promoting better oral hygiene for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Microbiology
- Oral Hygiene
Background:
- Protective athletic mouthguards (PAM) can cause oral injuries and may link to systemic health issues.
- PAM are prone to microbial contamination with regular use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the microbial contamination of PAM used by athletes.
- To determine if an antimicrobial solution can reduce the microbial load on PAM.
Main Methods:
- A case series involving 62 NCAA Division I football players and 81 PAM.
- Microbial analysis (qualitative and quantitative) for bacteria, yeasts, and fungi.
- Comparison between PAM used normally and those soaked in an antimicrobial solution daily.
Main Results:
- PAM harbored significant levels of gram-positive cocci, gram-positive bacilli, yeasts, and molds.
- Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. were common gram-positive cocci.
- Daily soaking in an antimicrobial solution substantially decreased the overall microbial contamination of PAM.
Conclusions:
- Protective athletic mouthguards accumulate substantial microbial contamination.
- Regular sanitization with an antimicrobial solution is effective in reducing microbial load.
- Athletes should sanitize PAM daily and replace them when damaged to prevent oral and systemic diseases.
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