Sports Mouth Guard

A mouthguard (also known as a mouth protector, mouth piece or gumshield) is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips and gums  Mouthguards are most often used to prevent injury in contact sports.

Figures from the Irish Dental Association indicate Ireland has one of the highest rates of sport-related oral injuries in the EU, with one third of all adult dental injuries being sports-related.

In many sports such as rugdy and hockey the wearing of gum shields is a must with nearly all clubs adhering strictly to a "no gum shield - no game" rule. The GAA are now joining these sports after passing a motion in April 2012 making it compulsory for players to wear mouth guards in football games and training. It will be mandatory for juvenile players up to minor grade to wear mouth gaurds from the start of 2012. The rule will come into effect for senior players from the start of 2014.