Abstract:
The practice of Jiu-Jitsu, due to its intense physical contact, exposes practitioners to a
significant risk of dentoalveolar and orofacial injuries. In this context, mouthguards areconsidered the main preventive resource against such traumas, especially in combat
sports. The aim of this study was to analyze, through a descriptive and qualitative
literature review, the effectiveness of different types of mouthguards in preventing
injuries among Jiu-Jitsu athletes, considering clinical, functional, and adherencerelated
factors. The research was conducted in the SciELO, PubMed, Virtual Health
Library (BVS), and Google Scholar databases, covering publications from 2006 to
2025. The reviewed studies indicate that although mouthguards have proven
effectiveness in reducing dental fractures, soft tissue injuries, and impacts on the
temporomandibular joint, their use remains limited among practitioners, mainly due to
discomfort and lack of professional guidance. It is concluded that mouthguards,
particularly custom-made models, are essential for the prevention of orofacial injuries
in Jiu-Jitsu athletes, and greater awareness from coaches, health professionals, and
sports institutions is needed to encourage adherence.
