Work

Occurrence of Orofacial and Dental Injuries in Rugby: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to report the prevalences of orofacial and dental injuries among rugby players and to discuss the prevention of these injuries through mouthguard use. METHODS: March 2025. This review was conducted on studies reporting the prevalence or incidence of orofacial or dental injuries among rugby players. RESULTS: In total, 268 records were screened for eligibility, and 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of orofacial injuries was 40.4% (95% CI: 38.5-42.2) with the higher prevalence (70.2%) in a study of 2010 among male rugby players of 17-18 years. The most common orofacial injuries involve the soft tissues. The overall prevalence of dental injuries was 19.6% (95% CI: 18.1-21.3). A fractured tooth was the most common dental injury. Mouthguards were mainly worn during competition, less during training. The certainty in cumulative evidence was considered to be very low. CONCLUSION: This review highlights a high rate of orofacial and dental injuries in rugby. It is necessary to increase awareness and the use of protective mouthguards to enhance prevention.

Source: Clinical and Experimental Dental Research

DOI: 10.1002/cre2.70315

Authors: Marc Chaboussie, Alexandre Baudet

Institutions: Université de Lorraine, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Nancy

Language: English

Topic: Dental Trauma and Treatments

Subfield: Emergency Medical Services

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,440