Australia first: ‘Smart mouthguards’ create new levels of safety in amateur and junior sports
After a successful trial in 2021, Bupa Dental Care has partnered with HITIQ to make ‘smart mouthguards’ that monitor head impacts available to junior and amateur sports players Australia-wide. This is the first-time hi-tech mouthguard technology has been made available to junior and amateur athletes in Australia.
The HITIQ smart mouthguards, currently used by Rugby Union, AFL and NRL players, are embedded with force measuring sensors that log head impacts and the accumulation of force from hits sustained during a game. Paired with an easy-to-use mobile application, the system provides an alert following the detection of any significant head impact and then directs the parent to assess their child’s potential symptoms using HITIQ’s concussion symptomology screening tool.
Bupa’s Managing Director of Health Services, Dr Dwayne Crombie, said this technology is being made available at a time when concerns around concussions and head injuries in sport have never been higher.
“We trialled the mouthguards with the Wests Bulldogs Junior Rugby Club and the results were overwhelmingly positive with parents and coaches reporting greater peace of mind following game-day collisions.
“We’re proud to be the first dental network to offer the HITIQ mouthguards to all Australians to help encourage participation in community sport by making it a safer experience,” said Dr Crombie.
Based on the results of the screening tool linked to the mouthguard, a player may be directed to an appropriate medical professional for further assessment after a collision. Where a player is subsequently diagnosed with a concussion by a medical professional, the HITIQ application provides ongoing guidance on the management of concussion symptoms, as well as recognised return-to-play protocols.
HITIQ CEO, Mike Vegar said he was proud to be partnering exclusively with Bupa Dental Care to deliver elite sports technology to athletes of all ages and abilities.
“Our founding vision was based on building technology that could have a meaningful impact on the health outcomes of athletes across the world, amateurs and children included.
Together with Bupa Dental Care, we are making significant strides towards realising that vision and allowing the grassroots markets access to our technology platform,” said Mr Vegar.
People can be fitted for a custom fitted HITIQ mouthguard at participating Bupa Dental practices around Australia now.
To book a fitting at a Bupa Dental practice near you visit here
