Dentistry

Abstract

Sports Mouthguards and the Ideal Thickness for High Formance Mix Martial Arts MMA Athletes

Nathalie Evangelia*

Custom made mouthguards can be made in different thicknesses. The aim of this study was to analyze the performance of mouthguards in thicknesses of 4 mm, 5 mm and 6 mm in contact sport athletes in 7 weight categories. All athletes train and compete in the mix martial arts, MMA sport. The weight categories follow the classification of the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), 2009, which is also used by MMA. It is a fact that the strength of a 60 kg athlete is not the same as that of a 120 kg athlete. Consequently, the thickness of the mouthguards of these athletes can be different, further assisting the athlete's performance. This research tests the premise that thicker mouthguards serve all types of athletes and covers various categories of weight and thickness of mouthguards. As a result of this study, it appears that there is a relationship between the athlete's weight and the thickness of the mouthguard and that by taking advantage of this relationship, the athlete's performance improves. Research shows that the heavier the athlete, the greater the preference for a thicker mouth guard. And the lighter the athlete is, the greater the preference for a less thick mouthguard. It is concluded that the premise, of greater thickness for any athlete is not confirmed and that the athlete's weight is a relevant component in choosing the thickness of the protector.

Published Date: 2024-08-29; Received Date: 2020-08-04