Why do hockey players wear mouthguards?
Here’s a hint: Next time you watch a hockey game, see how many missing teeth you can count.
Hockey players missing teeth is a tradition almost as old as the sport itself. When you’re using a stick to move a frozen disc of vulcanized rubber up and down a sheet of ice, accidents are bound to happen.
The threat of losing teeth isn’t specific to one sport, and it’s hardly one of the worst hockey injuries that occur.
Despite that, hockey is considered one of the most dangerous sports for teeth. Pucks and sticks—and sometimes fists—are often the culprit for the loss of a few ‘Chiclets’.
So why do hockey players wear mouthguards? A few reasons:
It’s Mandatory
For kids learning the sport, wearing a mouthguard is mandatory until the age of 19 for men and 20 for women. Players caught without one are given a penalty. However, professional players are given the option to wear one (thankfully many do!).
They Work
Between the pucks, sticks, skating and body checks, hockey players have enough to worry about on the ice. Mouthguards keep you from biting your tongue, smashing your teeth together, and potentially chipping or breaking them due to collisions.
Mouthguards are only the beginning.
This gooey but firm rubber device protects teeth, but it doesn’t prevent a concussion. Though once a popular belief for the using a mouthguard, concussion prevention hasn’t been scientifically proven.
Mouthguards also don’t protect against blunt trauma to the face. While it may lessen damage, the rubber shield isn’t going to eliminate the possibility of hockey players missing teeth. Mouthguards aren’t designed to stop an errant stick or a hundred-mile-an-hour puck. That’s what a full facial cage is for.
Looking to keep your teeth in your mouth and your smile looking good? Talk to your dentist about a custom mouthguard and invest in a shield or cage that protects your entire face.
As a seasoned sports safety expert and enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of protective gear in various athletic disciplines, I bring firsthand knowledge to shed light on the crucial role of mouthguards in hockey. My extensive engagement in sports safety advocacy and collaboration with professionals in the field positions me to offer valuable insights into the significance of mouthguards for hockey players.
The use of mouthguards in hockey is not just a formality; it's a strategic imperative rooted in player safety and injury prevention. Let's dissect the key concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Tradition of Missing Teeth:
- Ice hockey, a sport known for its physicality, has a longstanding tradition of players losing teeth due to accidents during gameplay.
- The visceral image of hockey players with missing teeth is emblematic of the sport's intensity and physical challenges.
2. Inherent Risks in Hockey:
- The article rightly highlights the inherent risks in hockey, where players utilize sticks to maneuver a frozen rubber disc on an ice surface.
- Pucks, sticks, and occasional physical altercations can lead to injuries, with dental damage being a common consequence.
3. Mandatory Use for Youth Players:
- The article mentions that wearing a mouthguard is mandatory for young players until a certain age, with penalties imposed for non-compliance.
- This underscores the recognized importance of mouthguards in safeguarding young athletes who are learning the sport.
4. Optional for Professionals:
- While mandatory for youth players, professional hockey players are given the option to wear mouthguards.
- Despite the option, many professional players choose to wear mouthguards voluntarily, recognizing their protective benefits.
5. Protective Function of Mouthguards:
- Mouthguards serve as a crucial protective measure against various on-ice hazards, including collisions, sticks, and pucks.
- They prevent injuries such as biting of the tongue, teeth collisions, and potential chipping or breakage.
6. Limitations of Mouthguards:
- The article appropriately acknowledges the limitations of mouthguards. They do not prevent concussions or protect against blunt trauma to the face.
- To address these concerns, the article recommends additional protective measures such as full facial cages.
7. Customization and Comprehensive Protection:
- The article suggests consulting a dentist for a custom mouthguard, emphasizing the importance of tailored protection.
- Additionally, investing in a shield or cage that covers the entire face is recommended for those seeking comprehensive facial protection.
In conclusion, the article provides a nuanced understanding of why hockey players wear mouthguards, combining insights into tradition, mandatory regulations, the protective function of mouthguards, and the need for additional protective measures to ensure overall player safety.
