The Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) of the NFHS recommends that athletes consider the use of a properly fitted, unaltered mouth guard for participation in any sport that has the potential for orofacial injury from body or playing apparatus (stick, bat, ball, etc) contact. Research currently does not support the theory that the use of a mouth guard minimizes the risk or severity of a concussion.
A properly fitted mouth guard should separate the biting surfaces of the teeth, protect the lips, gums and teeth, and fully cover all of the upper teeth. Mouth guards which cover the lower, rather than the upper, teeth are preferred if the lower row of teeth protrudes farther out (are the leading edge) than the upper teeth. It is strongly recommended that mouth guards be properly fitted and not be altered in any manner which decreases the effective protection. Proper fit is insured by: (1) being constructed from a model made from an impression of the individual’s teeth or (2) being constructed and fitted to the individual by impressing the teeth into the mouth guard itself.
A properly fitted and unaltered mouth guard has been shown to not impede communication, breathing, or create any hazards to the airway or oral cavity. Mouth guards cannot be clear (except for wrestling) and must be of any visible color other than white to allow for easier rule enforcement by officials. Types of mouth guards which comply with NFHS rules and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each are listed below.Type your paragraph here.
TYPE OF MOUTH GUARD ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Mouth-formed Inexpensive Deteriorates over time
Form-fitted May not last entire season
Pressure on cheeks and gums if not fitted well
Custom Accurate fit Most expensive
Comfortable Several trips to dentist may be required
May offer superior
protection
Stock Easily fits over braces Poor fit and easily dislodged
Can disrupt normal breathing and make intelligible speech very difficult
References:
American Dental Association. Using mouth guards to reduce the incidence and severity of sports-related oral injuries. ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofesssional Relations. Journal of the American Dental Association 2006;137(12):1712-20.
Daneshvar, DH Baugh CM, Nowinski CJ, et al. Helmets and mouth guards: the role of personal equipment in preventing sports-related concussions. Clinics in Sports Medicine 2011;30:145-163.
Knapik JJ, Marshall SW, Lee RB, et al. Mouth guards in sport activities: History, physical properties and injury prevention effectiveness. Sports Medicine 2007;37:117-144.
Labella CR, Smith BW, Sigurdsson A. Effects of mouth guards on dental injuries and concussions in college basketball. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2002;34:41-44.
Maeda Y, Kumamoto D, Yagi K, Ikebe K. Effectiveness and fabrication of mouth guards. Dental Traumatology 2009;25:556-564.
Newsome PRH, Tran DC, Cooke MS. The role of the mouth guard in the prevention of sports-related dental injuries: a review. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2001;11:396-404.
Woodmansey KF. Athletic mouth guards prevent orofacial injuries. Journal of American College of Health 1997;45:179-82.
Revised and Approved October 2014
October 2011
October 2008
DISCLAIMER – NFHS Position Statements and Guidelines
The NFHS regularly distributes position statements and guidelines to promote public awareness of certain health and safety-related issues. Such information is neither exhaustive nor necessarily applicable to all circumstances or individuals, and is no substitute for consultation with appropriate health-care professionals. Statutes, codes or environmental conditions may be relevant. NFHS position statements or guidelines should be considered in conjunction with other pertinent materials when taking action or planning care. The NFHS reserves the right to rescind or modify any such document at any time.