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 Jan 1^st 2013 (for all age grades up to and including U18) & U21 and Adult level from Jan 1^st 2014.

ABOUT MOUTHGUARDS

There are three types of mouth guards:

Stock mouthguards are preformed and come ready to wear.  They are inexpensive and can be purchased in sports shops for approx €5 each.  However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky, can make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide limited protection. Dentists do not recommend their use, nonetheless, once they carry the CE (European Conformity) mark they are acceptable in terms of complying with the new GAA Rules.

Official Opro GAA/GPA stock mouthguards will be available for purchasing through your local retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys.

Boil and bite mouthguards can 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. Dentists do not recommend their use in general.  Typically these type of mouthguards will cost in the region of €15 to €20 and again any mouthguard with the CE mark on it in this category is sufficient to ensure compliance with the new GAA rule. Official Opro GAA/GPA boil & bite mouthguards will be available for purchasing through your local retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys. 

Custom-fitted mouthguards are individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentist's instructions. These will not just offer the best protection against dental and oral injury but they should not affect performance i.e. breathing and speech should be relatively unaffected particularly if these have been worn regularly. 

First, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection.

For more information please see The Kildare GAA Website link : http://ow.ly/fWBOj

Confey GAA have partnered with a local supplier, Kevin Shanahan of Pro Gum Custom Gumshields, 086 8909465, to provide Custom fitted mouthguards for Confey GAA