Changes in oral functions and speech when using custom-fitted mouthguards: An uncontrolled before-and-after study.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Oral Health
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Sports mouthguards are essential for preventing orofacial injuries in athletes.
• Concerns exist regarding the potential negative effects of mouthguards on oral functions and speech.
• This study investigates the long-term impact of custom-fitted mouthguards on athletes' oral functions and speech.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of custom-fitted sports mouthguards on oral functions and speech over a six-month period.
• To assess athletes' adaptation and perception of mouthguard use.
• To determine if mouthguards cause significant long-term disruptions in oral functions.

Main Methods:

• Thirty national rugby players were fitted with custom mouthguards.
• Questionnaires and speech recordings were collected at baseline and at 1 week, 2 months, and 6 months post-fitting.
• Spectrographic analysis measured voice onset time (VOT) for specific phonemes; questionnaire data were analyzed using Friedman's test, and VOT changes using repeated measures ANOVA.

Main Results:

• Speaking difficulties and lisping significantly decreased over time (p < .001).
• Perceptions of nausea and bulkiness improved significantly (p < .001), while mouth dryness reduced steadily.
• Voice onset time (VOT) showed immediate changes but gradually regressed toward baseline, though not fully reaching it.

Conclusions:

• Custom-fitted sports mouthguards do not cause significant long-term disruptions to oral functions.
• Athletes adapt to mouthguard use, reporting improved comfort and increased support for mandatory use.
• Mouthguards are effective protective devices with manageable short-term functional effects.