Many countries have recently introduced requirements for mouth guards in workplaces or in public transport. As recently as this weekend, for example, the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen announced that mouth protection will be mandatory in public transport.

The Swedish Public Health Agency (FHM) has so far been skeptical about introducing any similar requirements in Sweden, but a change may be on the way. FHM is currently investigating whether there are occasions when the use would be appropriate and will return with any recommendations shortly.

- The oral protection issue is not dead, says Johan Carlson at a press conference on Tuesday.

Carlson emphasizes, however, that the Swedish Public Health Agency does not consider that a general use of oral protection is something that would increase safety in terms of the spread of infection.

However, there may be times when mouth protection can be a good complement as the usual infection control measures cannot be taken, for example during patient visits to care facilities or large congestion in public transport.

Recommendations often create problems

Johan Carlson further says that one should be careful with general recommendations as they often cause certain problems, among other things, they entail a great responsibility for the individual.

- We want to be very specific. General recommendations often create confusion; is this a situation where mouth guards should be used?

In addition, general recommendations should only be used if they are absolutely necessary, as they risk creating fatigue, for example for mouth protection, among citizens.

- It is not easy to wear a mouth guard, says Johan Carlson.