Mandatory Mouthguards in Women’s GAA Teams Cut Tooth Injuries and Costs

IRELAND: In a study conducted by researchers from the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University, it has been reported that the mandatory use of mouthguards in women’s Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) teams has resulted in a substantial reduction in dental injuries and a significant decrease in associated costs. The study, published in the Irish Medical Journal and led by James Greene, offers valuable insights into the impact of this crucial safety measure.

Game-Changing Rule

The research focused on the period spanning from 2011 to 2019, examining dental injuries and associated costs within female GAA teams both before and after the introduction of mandatory mouthguard usage. Notably, these dental appliances were made obligatory for juveniles in 2014 and extended to all players in 2017, encompassing both matches and training sessions.

Glidewell Joins Forces With ORB Innovations to Revolutionize Smart Oral Devices

The study’s findings highlight a remarkable 51.7% reduction in overall dental claim costs in the three years following the implementation of the mouthguard rule compared to the preceding three years. 

This reduction is particularly noteworthy, with adult costs falling by 53.8% and juvenile costs by 44%. The total cost of dental claims in ladies’ football during the examined period amounted to €169,791, with an average claim cost of €968.54 per case.

Vital Safety Measure

The researchers emphasised the importance of this safety measure, particularly for younger players. They noted that dental injuries in childhood often lead to extensive and costly dental treatments, potentially impacting oral health-related quality of life. 

Mandatory mouthguards are seen as a critical step in mitigating these injuries, as they increase the surface area over which impact forces are distributed, reducing the stress on individual teeth.

Before the introduction of mouthguards, ladies GAA football players were 2.34 times more likely to experience dental injuries. The researchers also addressed a concerning trend: anecdotal evidence suggests that many players either do not wear mouthguards during training or wear improperly adjusted ones.

Soogalu Partners with GoodFit Technologies to Offer More Orthodontic Solutions

Warning for Players

The study brought attention to the issue of mouthguard retention and proper usage. Among 106 children involved in GAA, it was found that a substantial 81.1% of mouthguards had inadequate retention and could be easily dislodged. 

Additionally, the study underlined that players not wearing mouthguards or using adjusted ones may not be covered by the injury fund, potentially leaving them personally liable for any dental injuries incurred.