Knowledge of paediatric patients and their guardians about mouth guards

Abstract

Introduction: Mouth guards are devices used to prevent injuries during sports activities. Objetive: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge about mouth guards of paediatric patients and their guardians. Methods: Paediatric patients from 9 to 15 years old, who sought care in the Paediatric Clinic of the Dentistry School and their guardians were invited to participate. Their knowledge about mouth guards was collected through a two-part questionnaire with open and closed questions. The first part of the questionnaire contained some sociodemographic questions and a main question about what a mouth guard is. The second part was solely about mouth guards and was applied immediately after an explanation about mouth guards at the end of the first part. All data collected were tabulated and analysed descriptively. Results: A total of 122 guardians were interviewed, 39.3% had children who practised some type of sports activity, and 32% reported a trauma episode. Most (54.9%) did not know what a mouth guard is, but after explanation, 57.4% had seen someone using one. A total of 33 paediatric patients were interviewed, 60.6% of whom practised some sport and 27.3% of these had already suffered some type of dental trauma during the activity. None of the interviewees use a mouth guard during sports activity, although 97% believe that using a mouth guard is important and 78.8% believe that the protector does not interfere with the activity. Conclusion: In conclusion, guardians and paediatric patients have little knowledge about mouth guards.