Estudo preliminar da saúde oral de desportistas praticantes de boxe

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize the oral health status of boxing practitioners; to know the frequency of use of mouthguards and its effects on the oral health of boxing practitioners; to compare the use of mouthguards and its oral health effects between practitioners of maintenance and competition boxing. Methods: The target convenience population consisted of amateur boxing practitioners at a Boxing School in Lisbon. Data was collected through a questionnaire, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) palpation, and an oral cavity observation to evaluate the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, the gingival index (GI) and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). Data were analyzed with Cramer's V test (Α=0.05). Results: The sample consisted of 36 individuals, mostly male, aged between 18 and 65 years. Most participants used mouthguards (89%), and the "Boil and Bite" type was the most popular. Concerning the oral effects of practicing boxing, most were observed in the TMJ, as 33% of the practitioners had pain in that articulation and 25% had difficulty opening their mouth; this was confirmed during TMJ palpation, in which 64% of the participants presented clinical changes. Regarding oral hygiene habits, most participants indicated brushing 2 to 3 times a day, using interdental techniques and visiting the dentist 1 to 2 times a year. Data from oral screening revealed the following mean values: 5.66 for DMFT, 2.59 for OHI-S and 0.59 for GI. Conclusions:The practice of boxing does not cause significant oral changes. Relevant changes were found only in TMJ palpation.