Hygiene fears as young GAA players keep gumshields in socks

However, it said "knowledge of both parents and children regarding mouthguard hygiene was poor". File picture: iStock

Many parents might worry about their child losing a tooth while playing Gaelic games, but a new study shows the quality and fit of the majority of gumshields worn by children is poor and there are also hygiene issues, including some players keeping their mouthguard in their socks.

The research, carried out by Elaine Philippa Shore of the School of Dental Sciences in Trinity College Dublin, looked to investigate compliance with GAA mouthguard rules among children playing Gaelic football and to establish the types and quality of mouthguards being worn.