"NO GUMSHIELD - NO GAME"

Following the GAA’s Annual Congress in April 2012 a new rule was enacted that made it mandatory to use a mouthguard in all Gaelic football matches and training sessions from January 1st 2013 (for all age grades up to and including minor) and at U21 and Adult level from January 1st 2014.
Research figures indicate that 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 rugby and hockey the wearing of gumshields is the norm with nearly all clubs adhering strictly to a 'no gumshield - no game' rule. A recent survey of Irish parents found the average cost of emergency dental treatment for sport related dental injuries in children to be €214.23. Studies have also shown that the overall injury risk is close to twice as high when a mouthguard is not worn, relative to when mouthguards were used during athletic activity.
The GAA’s Medical, Scientific & Welfare Committee acknowledge that the use of a properly fitted mouthguard is the best available protective device for reducing the incidence and severity of sports-related dental injuries and was centrally involved in ensuring the introduction of compulsory mouthguards in Gaelic Football.
This information has been compiled to assist GAA Clubs and individual players in complying with the provisions of the new rule passed at Congress 2012.


ABOUT MOUTHGUARDS


Boil and bite mouthguards can also be bought over the counter at most Sports Shops and generally offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The "boil and bite" mouthguard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure. Typically these type of mouthguards will cost in the region of €8 to €33 and again any mouthguard with the CE mark on it in this category is sufficient to ensure compliance with the new rule. MOUTHGUARDS, ARE THEY NECESSARY?

With no mouthguard a blow to the lower jaw or a direct blow to the teeth sends shockwaves through the skull.A direct impact can fracture the front teeth or even cause concussion.

Mouthguards act like SHOCK ABSORBERS by spreading the force over a large area and increasing the time for the force to dissipate. The mouthguard should prevent or greatly reduce  any injury.

NO MOUTHGUARD NO DEFENCE

No-one can afford to take part in contact sports without dental protection.