An evaluation of mouthguard requirements and dental injuries in New Zealand rugby union

Authors

K. L. Quarrie
S. Gianotti
D. J. Chalmers
W. G. Hopkins

Year of Publication

2005

Source

British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(9), 650-1

Publication Type

Journal article (peer reviewed)

Publication Status

Completed

Abstract

Documents the effects of compulsory mouthguard wearing on rugby-related dental injury claims made to ACC. The self reported rate of mouthguard use was 67% of player-weeks in 1993 and 93% in 2003. A total of 2644 claims was reported in 1995. There was a 43% reduction in dental claims from 1995 to 2003. The relative rate of injury claims for non-wearers versus wearers was estimated to be 4.6. The cumulative savings in claim costs, compared with the cost per year if claim numbers had remained constant from 1995, is $1.87 million. Based on the findings, the authors strongly recommend the use of mouthguards for all players in both matches and contact practice situations. (Note: Erratum subsequently published in British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40(2), 186).

Type of Study

Quantitative, Prospective cohort study