When most people think about mouthguards, they picture boxers, rugby players, or American football athletes; essentially, anyone who expects a fist, foot, or ball hurtling towards their face. But in sports where mouthguards aren’t standard kit, athletes might be missing out on critical protection and even performance benefits. From equestrian disciplines to weightlifting and cycling, the benefits of wearing a mouthguard extend far beyond the obvious…
1. High-Risk Equestrian Sports: Protecting Smiles on the Saddle
High-risk equestrian sports like team chasing, point-to-point racing, cross country, and showjumping combine the thrill of speed and precision with the ever-present risk of falls or collisions. While helmets are non-negotiable and for jump jockeys mouthguards are now mandatory, for many other riders, the teeth and jaw are often overlooked…until an accident happens.
- The Data: Studies reveal that equestrian sports have a high incidence of orofacial injuries, with up to 25% of equestrian-related injuries involving the face, teeth, or jaw. Falls from a horse can generate impact forces well above what your teeth can withstand.
- Why a Mouthguard Helps: A custom-fit mouthguard cushions the teeth, jaw, and surrounding soft tissue during a fall or collision. It can absorb and distribute the force of impact, potentially reducing the risk of dental fractures, tooth avulsion, or jaw dislocation.
There is also some speculation about whether mouthguards could also help reduce concussion risk during a fall, though there is a lack of specific and robust evidence for this in equestrian sport specifically.
2. Weightlifting and Strongman Events: More Than Just a Bite Guard
Weightlifting might seem like the last place you’d need a mouthguard. But if you’ve ever caught yourself gritting your teeth during a max lift, you’ll understand why this gear deserves a spot in your gym bag.
- The Data: Research indicates that clenching the jaw – a natural reaction during heavy lifts – can generate forces of up to 200psi on your teeth. Over time, this can lead to microfractures, enamel wear, and even TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.
- The Performance Edge: Here’s where it gets interesting. Studies suggest that wearing a mouthguard during strength-based activities can enhance performance. How? By stabilising the jaw, reducing unnecessary muscular tension, and optimizing breathing mechanics, mouthguards can improve force production and endurance.
Plus, let’s not overlook the obvious: a mouthguard prevents accidental tooth damage during exercises like clean-and-jerks, where the barbell comes perilously close to your face!
3. Cycling: The Unsung Hero of Rider Safety
Whether you’re heading full send through a forest on a mountain bike, sprinting in a velodrome, or powering through a muddy cyclocross course, cycling comes with its fair share of risks. While helmets are a given, the lower face – teeth, jaw, and gums – is often unprotected. The infamous “OTB” (over the bars) fall is the one all dentists dread as this is the one that most commonly ends in a patient running to surgery clutching their precious front tooth desperate for it to be replaced!
- The Data: Dental trauma accounts for approximately 5-10% of all injuries in cycling accidents. Crashes at high speeds or on uneven terrain can lead to significant facial impact, especially if you’re unlucky enough to land chin-first.
- Why a Mouthguard Helps: A mouthguard can shield your teeth and jaw from the brunt of an impact during a crash. Cyclists who’ve adopted mouthguards report fewer post-crash dental bills and less time recovering from avoidable injuries.
- Bonus Benefits: For track and cyclocross cyclists, mouthguards may help improve breathing efficiency. By promoting a slightly open jaw position, they can optimize airflow—a marginal gain that counts in competitive racing.
Making the Case for Mouthguards
So, why aren’t more athletes in these sports wearing mouthguards? A lot of it comes down to perception: mouthguards are seen as bulky, uncomfortable, or simply unnecessary. But modern custom-fit options are lightweight, breathable, and tailored to your sport and bite. Seeing a dentist for a bespoke device is a whole different ball game to the boil-in-the bag options you buy off the shelf; these tend to be what we associate with this kind of PPE. Off the peg options are often poorly fitting and not designed optimally for their individual purpose, meaning the benefits are not the same and wearing one is unlikely to be a positive experience for the wearer.
Investing in a custom-made mouthguard with your local dentist is far cheaper (and less painful) than repairing a broken tooth or managing long-term jaw issues. But make sure your dentist also understands your specific sporting needs – are you looking for improve airway efficiency along with bite protection or simply protection in the event of a crash? Does your dentist know what thickness is required? Can you discuss areas where greater or lesser thickness is required to enhance your protection and experience as an athlete?
Mouthguards aren’t just for combat sports or hockey players. They’re an underrated but highly effective piece of protective gear for athletes in high-risk – and often high fun! – sports. It often takes a lot to challenge the status quo – think sbout those old-school bike club riders who still refuse to even wear a helmet! But taking an active role in protecting yourself and thinking about your own personal risk as well as the little things that could enhance your performance could pay dividends if it helps avoid a very painful, life changing and expensive accident someday.
If you found this post helpful, check out our blog for more insights into the intersection of oral health, nutrition, and athletic performance. And if you’re curious about custom-fit mouthguards, drop us a message—we’d love to help!