Gum shields are sore point

New research has revealed that mouth guards and gum shields can leave wearers’ mouths sore and inflamed.

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine are now questioning the guards which they believe have potential to injure a sportsperson’s mouth.

Sixty-two American footballers were assessed both pre and post season and the research discovered that gum shields may increase the number and concentration of cuts and abrasions in the mouth. 

This can expose the athlete to infection due to the bacteria, yeast, and fungi that can be found on the guards.

Richard T. Glass, professor at the Oklahoma State University Centre for Health Sciences, explained his research to the media saying: “While there might be other contributing factors to the oral lesions, the percentage increase and the specific locations of the oral lesions, compared with other studies done of the general population, indicated that mouth guards have a significant negative impact on the mouth.”

When the Prof assessed the athletes in pre-season training he discovered that 75 per cent of them had lesions on the gums, cheeks and on the roof of the mouth. Come the end of the season 96 per cent of the players were suffering from oral complaints.

“We saw not only an overall increase in the number of lesions, but also a wider distribution,” added professor Glass.

The report is also quick to point out that gum shields are also a vital piece of equipment in contact sports but suggests that the guards should be cleaned more often and worn for shorter periods of time.

The study recommends that the shield should be discarded if it becomes distorted, develops sharp edges or after 14 days of use and should be sanitized daily.

“A mouth guard will do your mouth good only if you keep it in good shape,” finished professor Glass.