Background:

the use of mouth guards during sports practice is essential as a preventive measure for dent-maxillofacial trauma injuries in adolescence.

Objective:

to explain the importance of the use of mouth guards taking into account their characteristics, types and functions.

Methods:

a revision of the literature was carried out from databases such as CUMED, LILACS, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and PUBMED, websites, books and magazines on the Internet, of articles published during the last 20 years, on the types of mouth guards and their importance for the prevention of dent-maxillofacial trauma injuries. Sixty works were found, of which 30 were selected taking into account their actuality and relevance to the topic.

Results:

the mouth guard is a basic element in the prevention of dent-maxillofacial lesions in adolescence. Currently, there are three types: prefabricated, adaptable and individualized. Its purpose is to distribute the force of the impacts received in a contact situation, reducing the possibility of specific overloads.

Conclusions:

individualized mouth guards are the most effective for traumatic dent-maxillofacial injuries prevention and their most important function is to stabilize the jaw and minimize the risk of contusion and brain injury. Dentists recommend its mandatory use in the practice of any sport, being it amateur or professional.

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