Gum shields

Dangerous sports where injury to teeth is possible may lead to claims for negligence. Insurance companies may well not be prepared to fight these cases on the school's behalf.

It is probably prudent to consider making gum shields (or mouth guards as the manufacturers prefer to call them) compulsory for students engaged in sports involving physical contact or played with a hard ball.

The school should refuse to recommend any particular type of gum shield. This should remain the responsibility of the parent.