Temporomandibular disorders and the use of oral splints among elite sport athletes: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in Germany

Abstract

Objective: This retrospective, monocentric, questionnaire-based cross-sectional study investigated self-reported symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and oral splint use among elite German athletes.

Materials and methods: Elite athletes (all sports except disability sports, 18–35 years old) who completed a questionnaire on oral health in sports between May 2020 and April 2021 were included. The assessed parameters included anamnestic TMD symptoms (3Q/TMD), oral splint use (presence, reason, wearing habits), current stress levels (scale 1–10), current training load (hours/week), and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL; OHIP-G5). Data from 337 elite athletes (23 ± 4 years, 50% female) were analysed. The prevalence of self-reported TMD symptoms was compared across sexes, orofacial trauma risk levels, and types of sports activity.

Results: 10% of the athletes reported TMD symptoms, with a significant sex difference (male: 5%, female: 15%; p = 0.006). There was no significant difference based on orofacial trauma risk (p = 0.941) or activity type (p = 0.913). A higher proportion of athletes with self-reported TMD symptoms reported impaired OHRQoL (OHIP > 0: p < 0.001), whereas there were no differences in stress levels and training load. Oral splint use was reported by 26% of the athletes.

Conclusions: 10% of elite German athletes require further diagnostic evaluation regarding possible TMD, which might be comparable to the prevalence of TMD among the general population. One quarter of the athletes reported having oral splints. Clinical Relevance: TMD, bruxism, and oral splints should be routinely considered in sports dental care.

Keywords: Aligner; Competitive sports; Oral health; Sports; Sports dentistry; TMD prevalence.