The Irish Dental Association (IDA) has welcomed the decision by the GAA to make it compulsory for players to wear mouth guards in football games and in training.

The recent GAA Congress passed a motion making it mandatory for juvenile players up to minor grade to wear mouth guards from the start of next year, while the rule will come into effect for senior players from the start of 2014.

While some senior inter-county players have already expressed reservations about the rule, Dr Maurice Quirke of the Irish Dental Association has urged all players, parents and coaches to support it fully.

"Anybody who is playing contact sports without a mouth guard is being irresponsible. It's like going on a motorbike without a helmet. I would urge all players to protect their teeth from injury by using a gumshield immediately. Players are important role models for children so it is particularly important that they back the move," Dr Maurice Quirke of the IDA said.

IDA figures indicate Ireland has one of the highest rates of sport-related mouth and dental injuries in the EU.

The IDA says the gumshield rule should also apply to hurling and it hopes the GAA will introduce a similar measure for hurling in the near future. Hurlers, however, are already required to wear helmets with face protection and so gumshields may be of less relevance to them.