Mouthguard Use in Match Play and Training in a Cohort of Professional Rugby League Players

The main objective of this study was to compare mouthguard use in match play and contact training in professional rugby league players and to ascertain the reasons for any differences. A secondary objective was to determine the self-reported incidence of dental and/or oral injuries and when they occurred. Mouthguard use in contact training sessions was found to be very low compared to match play. The main reason found for this was that players were not worried about getting injured whilst training. However, a considerable number of players had been injured during contact training sessions. Given their established protective role, the use of mouthguards in contact training and match play should be encouraged. Players' attitudes towards mouthguard use while training should be addressed. Recommendations are made in light of the findings of the study as to how this could be achieved.