One-in-four children suffer tooth damage playing sports

One in four children in Ireland damage their teeth through sports injury before the age of 15, according to figures published today by the Irish Dental Association.

The association is launching a campaign today to get more children wearing gum shields during sport.

It says a blow to the teeth can have long-term effects on areas such as speech, appearance and self-confidence.

Spokesperson Edward Cotter says gum shields need to be seen as an essential part of children's sports gear, especially for contact sports.