Policy for Wearing Mouthguards
During the year the pupils will be taking part in rugby and hockey, where there may be the risk of an injury to the mouth, specifically the fracture of front teeth. Given that there are circumstances where tooth injury is a predictable risk, the policy of the school is to recommend that all pupils taking part in such activities wear a mouth guard. The use of mouth guards is discussed with pupils during PE lessons, however the information is not always passed on to parents/guardians. The most effective form of mouth guard is one that is properly fitted by a Dentist or Dental Technician. It is recognized that there are cost implications for the provision of individually fitted mouth guards and the Governing Body would encourage the use of self-fit mouth guards as an alternative means of protection.
To ensure adequate protection the mouth guard must fulfil the following criteria:
- It needs to fit comfortably but tightly
- It needs to be easily removable
- It should not impair breathing
- It should be made of a substance that can be effectively cleaned and used only by the person
for who, it has been designed and/or purchased.
The support and encouragement of parents/guardians to ensure that students wear mouth guards during contact sports is vital.