ASTM F697-16

Standard Practice for Care and Use of Athletic Mouth Protectors

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Intra-oral mouth protectors have been found usable and effective in all physical sports activities where mouth hazard exists.  
4.2 Considerable evidence indicates that the use of mouth protectors reduces forces on dentition and can potentially mitigate orofacial injuries.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the care and use of intraoral mouth protectors as protective equipment for sports. Mouth protectors includes what are commonly termed mouth guards.  
1.2 Mouth protectors, as described herein, refer to either Type I, Type II, or Type III mouth protectors as classified in Section 3.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Mar-2016
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.53 - Headgear and Helmets

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F697-00(2006) - Standard Practice for Care and Use of Athletic Mouth Protectors (Withdrawn 2015)
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2016

Overview

ASTM F697-16, titled Standard Practice for Care and Use of Athletic Mouth Protectors, is a key standard developed by ASTM for sports safety equipment. This practice establishes guidelines for the care, use, and maintenance of intraoral mouth protectors-commonly known as mouthguards-used in physical sports activities where a risk of mouth injury exists. The standard underscores the significance of mouth protectors in reducing forces on dentition and mitigating orofacial injuries, providing practical guidance for athletes, coaches, dental professionals, and sports organizations.

Key Topics

• Classification of Mouth Protectors:
  • Type I: Thermoplastic (vacuum-formed, pressure laminated, and mouth-formed variants)
  • Type II: Thermosetting (mouth-formed)
  • Type III: Stock type
• Design Considerations:
  • Mouthguards should cover all remaining teeth of one arch, usually the upper, excluding third molars, and extend to the depth of the vestibule without impeding tissue movement.
  • Proper occlusion and retention are essential for effective protection.
  • Dual arch designs are acceptable, but separate maxillary and mandibular protectors are seldom recommended due to reduced comfort.
• Special Limitations:
  • Fitting should be supervised by trained athletic, dental, or medical staff.
  • Special attention is needed for players with orthodontic appliances, mouth abnormalities, or dental prosthetics.
  • Younger athletes with changing dentition may benefit from reformable thermoplastic mouthguards.
• General Recommendations:
  • Cleaning: Daily washing in cold or lukewarm water, preferably with antimicrobial agents or commercially available denture cleansers.
  • Storage: Avoid excessive heat or cold; use antimicrobial storage cases when possible.
  • Usage: Mouthguards should be worn in all sports with a risk of dental injury, including those requiring helmets with face protection.
  • Replacement: Inspect for tears, loss of resiliency, ill-fit, or after dental changes; replace as needed.

Applications

The guidance provided by ASTM F697-16 is applicable to a wide range of sports and athletic activities where there is a risk of trauma to the mouth or face. Key applications include:

• Team and individual sports such as football, hockey, basketball, martial arts, rugby, and lacrosse.
• Organizational protocols for youth, amateur, or professional sports leagues to ensure player safety through standardized mouthguard use.
• Dental and medical practices for recommending and fitting suitable oral protective equipment for athletes of all ages.
• Athlete education on the importance of proper mouthguard care and usage to maintain optimal protection against orofacial injuries.

Related Standards

For broader context on mouthguard safety, performance, and related sports protective equipment, reference the following standards:

• ASTM F1492 - Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Skateboarding and Trick Roller Skating
• ASTM F803 - Standard Specification for Eye Protectors for Selected Sports
• ASTM F1446 - Standard Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear
• ADA Guidelines - Recommendations by the American Dental Association on mouthguard use in sports

Summary

ASTM F697-16 provides comprehensive, practical guidance on the care and use of athletic mouth protectors, reinforcing their critical role in sports injury prevention. By adhering to these guidelines, athletes and organizations can maximize the effectiveness of mouthguards, prolong their lifespan, and promote a safer sporting environment. The standard serves as a reference point not only for players but also for coaches, dental professionals, and equipment manufacturers involved in sports safety and oral health.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F697 − 16 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Care and Use of Athletic Mouth Protectors
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F697; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4.2 Considerable evidence indicates that the use of mouth
protectors reduces forces on dentition and can potentially
1.1 This practice covers the care and use of intraoral mouth
mitigate orofacial injuries.
protectors as protective equipment for sports. Mouth protectors
includes what are commonly termed mouth guards.
5. Design Considerations
1.2 Mouth protectors, as described herein, refer to either
5.1 For maximum protection, cushioning, and retention
Type I, Type II, or Type III mouth protectors as classified in
(that is, to reduce the chance of dislodgement), the protector
Section 3.
should cover all the remaining teeth of one arch, customarily
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the upper, less the third molar (except with a prognathic lower
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
jaw). The borders of the mouth protector should cover as much
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of the alveolus and extend to the depth of the vestibule
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
intraorally, without interfering with the movement of the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
intra-oral tissues.
2. Terminology
5.2 The use of both a separate maxillary (upper) and
mandibular (lower) mouth protector is seldom recommended
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
due to no demonstrated benefit, reduced comfort with lack of
2.1.1 mouth protector—a resilient device or appliance
compliance from individuals. The use of a combined (dual
placed inside the mouth (or inside and outside), to reduce
arch) maxillary and mandibular mouthguard is an acceptable
mouth injuries, particularly to teeth and surrounding structures.
design.
3. Classification
5.3 Consideration needs to be given to how the mouth
3.1 Mouth protectors covered by this practice shall be of the protector occludes with the opposing teeth. The mouth protec-
following types and classes: tor needs to have contact with as many teeth in the opposing
3.1.1 Type I—Thermoplastic Type:
arch and contact evenly on as many teeth as possible.
3.1.1.1 Class 1a—Vacuum-formed.
5.4 Mouth protectors that attach to headgear via a strap
3.1.1.2 Class 1b—Vacuum-formed adjusted.
should be adjusted to fit as described above (for non-strap
3.1.1.3 Class 1c—Mouth-formed.
attached).
3.1.1.4 Class 2a—Pressure laminated.
3.1.1.5 Class 2b—Pressure laminated adjusted.
6. Special Limitations
3.1.2 Type II—Thermosetting Type:
6.1 The fitting of mouth protectors is best accomplished
3.1.2.1 Class 1—Mouth-formed.
under the supervision of trained athletic, medical, or dental
3.1.3 Type III—Stock type.
staff familiar with the specific mouth protector to be used.
4. Significance and Use
6.2 Players wearing orthodontic appliances or having mouth
4.1 Intra-oral mouth protectors have been found usable and
malformations (abnormalities) should be provided with a
effective in all physical sports activities where mouth hazard
mouth protector only under the supervision of a dentist.
exists.
6.3 Players wearing removable partial dentures should re-
move them before being provided with a mouth protector.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
6.4 Players wearing complete dentures should be fitted with
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Fa
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