Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin und Dopingstudien

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and Preventive Methods in Boxing Athletes

Abstract

Elif Ozcan and Guhan Dergin

Oral and maxillofacial injuries are common in sporting activities, especially in contact combat sports. It has been stated by a number of researchers that obligatory dental and orofacial protection for all athletes have major effects in preventing injuries and associated life-long discomfort, as well as reducing the treatment costs. Boxing exposes athletes to severe head impacts and risk of brain injury, as well as disorders resulting from chronic recurrent traumas. The purpose of this report is to state the causes of temporomandibular joint disorders in boxing athletes and emphasize the importance of preventive measures and routine screening by a TMJ specialist maxillofacial surgeon.