Effect of thickness and occlusal accommodation on the degree of satisfaction with mouthguard use among water polo players: A randomized crossover trial

BACKGROUND/AIM The optimal mouthguard type and design for each player and sport are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of using a thicker custom-made mouthguard with occlusal accommodation on the degree of satisfaction among water polo players. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-five elite water polo players participated in this randomized four-period crossover trial conducted from February to May 2019. For each participant, two customized mouthguards were fabricated using 4-mm ethyl vinyl acetate foil: Type A included no occlusal accommodation, and Type B included a 2-mm occlusal accommodation. Players wore each mouthguard during training sessions and competitions for 2 weeks in one of two randomized sequences. After each match or training session, players were asked to evaluate the mouthguards on 10-point scales across three domains: discomfort or interference with function, protection, and general satisfaction. Mouthguard preference was also recorded. RESULTS The mouthguard with occlusal accommodation was reported to interfere more with speech and swallowing (P