New ISO Standard Proposed for Athletic Mouth Protectors and Materials
NSAI is inviting expressions of interest from stakeholders following the proposal of a new international standard for athletic mouth protectors and the materials used in their manufacture.
A new work item has been proposed within ISO Technical Committee 106 (Dentistry) for the development of an International Standard covering athletic mouth protectors and associated materials. If approved, the project will establish requirements and test methods designed to support the safety, performance, durability, fit and reliability of these important protective devices.
Athletic mouth protectors play an important role in preventing or reducing injuries to the teeth, jaws and facial structures during sport and other physical activities. Their use is mandatory in many contact and collision sports, including GAA, rugby, boxing and hockey, where the risk of dental and facial injury is increased.
As the market for mouth protection products evolves, with developments in digital manufacturing technologies and advanced materials, international standardisation can help provide a consistent framework for manufacturers, dental professionals, sports organisations and users.
Proposed scope
The draft proposal outlines the following scope:
"This document specifies requirements and test methods for assessing the physical properties of athletic mouth protectors and materials. This includes thermoplastic, thermosetting and digitally processed materials, with or without a polymeric shell, that may be formed into an athletic mouth protector, either on a model of a dental arch or formed intra-orally directly upon the teeth for use as an oral protection device. This document also lists the types and classifications of mouth protectors and the requirement for manufacturer's instructions, packaging and labelling and marking for these stated devices."
The proposed standard would cover a broad range of mouth protector materials and manufacturing methods, including conventionally produced and digitally processed products. It would also address classification, testing requirements, product information and labelling considerations.
Get Involved
Should the proposal be approved, a new international working group will be established to develop the standard further. NSAI can facilitate national engagement in this process and nominate experts to contribute to the drafting of the standard.
If your organisation has an interest in athletic mouth protectors, sports dentistry, protective equipment or related materials, we would like to hear from you.
For further information about this proposal or to express your interest, please contact info@nsai.ie.
For more information on the work of ISO Technical Committee 106 – Dentistry, visit the ISO website here.
[Disclaimer: All reasonable effort was made to ensure that the information on this page was correct at the time of publication. Any views or opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily those of NSAI. NSAI accepts no responsibility or liability howsoever arising from the contents of this publication or any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions in the contents of the information provided therein.]
