ASTM_F_697_-_00.pdf

Designation:F 697 00An American National StandardStandard Practice forCare and Use of Athletic Mouth Protectors1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 697;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon(e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This practice covers the care and use of intraoral mouthprotectors as protective equipment for sports.1.2 Mouth protectors,as described herein,refer to eitherType I,Type II,or Type III mouth protectors as classified inSection 3.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:2.1.1 mouth protectora resilient device or applianceplaced inside the mouth(or inside and outside),to reducemouth injuries,particularly to teeth and surrounding structures.3.Classification3.1 Mouth protectors covered by this practice shall be of thefollowing types and classes:3.1.1 Type IThermoplastic Type:3.1.1.1 Class 1Vacuum-formed.3.1.1.2 Class 2Mouth-formed.3.1.2 Type IIThermosetting Type:3.1.2.1 Class 1Mouth-formed.3.1.3 Type IIIStock type.4.Significance and Use4.1 Intra-oral mouth protectors have been found usable andeffective in all physical sports activities where mouth hazardexists.4.2 Considerable evidence indicates that the use of mouthprotectors reduces forces which cause concussions,neck inju-ries,and jaw fractures.25.Design Considerations5.1 For maximum protection,cushioning,and retention(that is,to reduce the chance of dislodgement),the protectorshould cover all the remaining teeth of one arch,customarilythe upper,less the third molar(except with a prognathic lowerjaw).Research shows that a properly fitted and shaped mouthprotector essentially eliminates breathing interferences.5.2 The imprint of the opposing arch is seldom recom-mended,since it is difficult to attain its proper position,doesnot add significantly to protection,and can be uncomfortable.5.3 The strap-attached type of mouth protector is recom-mended in situations when fit and retention are not critical.6.Special Limitations6.1 The fitting of mouth protectors is best accomplishedunder the supervision or direction of a dentist.6.2 Players wearing orthodontic appliances or having mouthmalformations(abnormalities)should be provided with amouth protector only under the supervision of a dentist.6.3 Players wearing removable partial dentures should re-move them before being provided with a mouth protector.6.4 Players wearing complete dentures should be fitted witha mouth protector(with or without the denture in place)asdecided and supervised by a dentist.6.5 If the changing dentition,due to the age of the player,isjudged to be a problem,the use of a thermally moldable mouthprotector,which can be repeatedly reformed,is recommended,or a new custom protector made.7.General Recommendations7.1 CleaningAlways wash daily in cold or lukewarmwater.The use of a cleaning agent containing an antimicrobialagent is recommended.7.2 Storage and ShippingAvoid excessive heat or cold.Custom-made protectors should be shipped or stored on agypsum(usually dental stone or high-strength stone)model ofthe athletes teeth.7.3 Mouth-FormingFor forming the thermally moldablevariety,have the protector wet(do not insert in the mouth dry).7.4 UsePlayers should be instructed to use mouth protec-tors when engaged in any physical sport activity where thehazard of mouth injury exists.1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on SportsEquipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F08.53 onHeadgear.Current edition approved June 10,2000.Published August 2000.Originallypublished as F 697 80.Last previous edition F 697 80(1992).2Hickey,J.C.,Morris,A.L.,Carlson,L.D.,and Steard,T.E.,“The Relation ofMouth Protectors to Cranial Pressure and Deformation,”Journal of the AmericanDental Association,No.74,1967,p.735.1Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959,United States.7.5 ReplacementMouth protectors should be replacedwhen tearing appears or resiliency is lost.ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard.Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights,and the riskof infringement of such rights,are entirely their own responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years andif not revised,either reapproved or with