HOCKEY PLAYERS AT RISK FROM NON PROVEN MOUTHGUARDS

England Hockey strongly recommends the wearing of mouthguards in training and competition for all hockey players of all ages.

Anyone purchasing a mouthguard should be aware that whilst it might show a CE mark on the packaging, it is unlikely to have been awarded this proven safety standard or undergone the necessary rigorous tests, according to Dr Anthony Lovat BDS, Managing Director at OPRO, the world’s largest supplier of premium, custom-fitting mouthguards.

In his booklet, No CE? No Defence, Dr Lovat explains: “I believe that at this current time it is likely that the majority of mouthguard manufacturers are applying the CE mark illegally. The problem lies in the fact that no EN standard exists which makes certification more complex and time consuming. However there is no defence in my view and there are some companies that may be ignoring the provisions of the law. The result is that hockey players* seeking a mouthguard cannot rely on the CE mark alone and should ask to see the manufacturers’ certification before using it.”

Mr Paul Varnsverry of PVA Technical File Services Ltd., a specialist in CE accreditation, agrees: “As no EN standard exists suppliers and manufacturers need to create a Technical File on their product with suitable tests which can prove that their products offer the wearer appropriate protection and that any claims to that effect on their packaging can be demonstrated. The test methodology and results will be analysed by a Notified Body and if approved, along with the remainder of the Technical File, will lead to the issuing of the CE certificate. Unfortunately no central register has existed of manufacturers and products who have complied with the regulations so I am in the process of compiling this. ”

Dr Lovat adds, “We have recently launched a range of self-fit mouthguards – OPROshield - which will be available online and at leading retailers in the first quarter of 2007. As part of this launch we have implemented the necessary tests to ensure that our self-fit mouthguards are made to the same high specification as our custom-fit guard. As a consequence of these exhaustive tests, which included impact tests, size measurements after adaptation and retention tests, the OPROshield has been awarded the CE mark. Anyone wishing to see a copy of this certification should contact us directly.”

Copies of Dr Lovat’s booklet ‘No CE No Defence – a guide to the law with special reference to mouthguards’ are available on request or a PDF can be downloaded from www.opro.com/noce.pdf

Copies of Mr. Varnsverry’s register are available on request.

About OPRO
OPRO is the world’s largest supplier of premium, custom-fitting mouthguards and is an official supplier to England Hockey. The company was set up in 1995 by Dr Anthony Lovat, a dental surgeon, who was horrified by the number of patients that visited him who had suffered terrible, permanent damage as a result of avoidable sports injuries.

OPRO offers a full range of mouthguards across all levels and costs using bespoke materials and machinery. During its busy season OPRO regularly makes thousands of individual mouthguards each day for schools, clubs, enthusiasts and professionals.  It is the only European company with CE approval.

OPRO custom fit mouthguards are worn by International Rugby, Hockey and Lacrosse pros from numerous countries. In 2003 the England Rugby team won the World Cup wearing their red, white and blue OPRO mouthguards. Other high profile clients include: the British Bobsleigh Team, the English National Karate Squad and a number of athletes for the 2008 Olympics.

Its recently launched range of self-fit mouthguards OPROshield utilises a unique, revolutionary patented design involving internal fins and multiple materials. It comprises three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold and is designed to provide wearers with a wider choice of low to medium cost quality mouthguards which recognises the realities of personal budgets and perceived values. Prices will range from £1.99 for a Bronze level mouthguard (clear) to £19.99 for a premium Gold level mouthguard (black or white with gold fins.)