Staying safe in sports is a big deal, especially in soccer. With rapid movements, unexpected collisions, and the occasional airborne soccer cleat, things can get a bit crazy. That brings us to today’s topic: do soccer players wear mouthguards?
Unlike shin guards that everyone has to wear, using mouthguards in soccer is up to the players. There’s no official rule about it, so some players wear them, and some don’t.
In this article, we’re diving into the world of mouthguards in soccer, where protection and skill come together.
We’ll explore why some players swear by these rubbery shields while others just play it without. Let’s get into the details!
Table of Contents
- 1 Do Soccer Players Wear Mouthguards?
- 2 Benefits of Wearing a Soccer Mouthguard
- 3 Disadvantages of Wearing a Soccer Mouthguard
- 4 Famous Soccer Players That Wear Mouthguards
- 5 Best Types of Mouthguards for Soccer Use
- 6 Is It Safe to Wear Mouthguards With Braces On?
- 7 The Final Score
- 8 This article was written by
Do Soccer Players Wear Mouthguards?
Yes, some soccer players wear mouthguards.
The decision to wear a mouthguard varies among players and is often a matter of personal choice.
But nowadays, up to 80% of professional soccer players wear these protective devices not only during actual games but also during rigorous training sessions and practice scrimmages.
Players wear mouthguards to protect their teeth and jaws, and reduce the risk of certain injuries during the game.
Benefits of Wearing a Soccer Mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard during soccer offers a range of benefits including:
Protects Your Teeth from Damage
Soccer is a high-energy sport that involves swift movements, sudden changes in direction, and physical contact.
Mouthguards act like a cushion, stopping oral injuries that could happen from things like an accidental elbow, a header gone wrong, or bumping into another player!
Reduces the Risk of Brain Injuries
Wearing a mouthguard has a not-so-obvious perk: it can help lower the chance of brain injuries, like concussions.
Research shows that mouthguards that fit well can spread out the force of impacts across the head, which could mean fewer concussions.
While not a foolproof measure, the added layer of protection can make a significant difference in safeguarding a player’s head during unexpected contact on the field.
Prevents Unintentional Cuts in the Mouth
Soccer is full of quick moves and lots of run-ins with opponents, which can sometimes lead to surprising hits.
These hits, even if they’re not too bad, can cause accidental cuts on the inside of the mouth from sharp teeth, braces, or the player’s own tongue.
A good mouthguard acts like a cushion that reduces the chances of these accidents happening.
It works to prevent both cuts and accidental biting, making it a double-duty tool that keeps your mouth safe and stops avoidable injuries.
Guards Against Jaw Injuries
Soccer can be tough on the jaw, particularly in scenarios involving headers or collisions.
A mouth guard provides a layer of cushioning that absorbs and disperses forces, helping to protect the jaw from fractures or other injuries.
This extra layer of protection means the jaw can handle surprises on the field and stay strong.
Boosts Confidence and Focus
Having the assurance that you’ve done something to keep yourself safe can really boost your confidence and keep you focused when you’re playing.
A mouthguard can give you that sense of security, so you can concentrate on your game and skills instead of stressing about getting hurt.
Disadvantages of Wearing a Soccer Mouthguard
So wearing mouthguards during soccer offers several benefits, but there are also some potential downsides to consider:
Discomfort and Distraction
If a mouthguard isn’t well-fitted or is made from uncomfortable material, it can cause irritation to your gums, lips, and cheeks.
This discomfort might distract you during the game. Constantly fiddling with the mouthguard or adjusting it can break your focus and have a negative impact on how you perform.
Communication Challenges
Mouthguards can impede clear communication on the field.
Your speech could sound muffled, and it might be tough for others to hear you.
This could make it difficult to give instructions, talk about tactics, or let your teammates know about upcoming challenges!
Breathing Difficulties
Some mouthguards can mess with the way you naturally breathe, which might make it tough to breathe comfortably, especially during intense physical activities.
Players who need to take deep breaths for their best performance might feel like they can’t breathe as freely and might get tired faster.
Impact on Performance
Some players believe that wearing a mouth guard affects their proprioception—the sense of how their body is positioned and moving in space.
This could throw off their balance, control, and touch when they’re handling the soccer ball or trying to do specific moves with precision.
Increased Salivation
Wearing a mouthguard might trigger your mouth to produce more saliva, which could make you feel like you’re salivating a lot! Ew!
This might lead you to want to spit more during the game, which could be a bit bothersome and impact your focus. And look gross!
Aesthetic Concerns
For some players, wearing a mouthguard could make them worry about how they look.
If the mouthguard is noticeable when you talk or smile, it might affect your self-confidence both during games and in general. This could end up affecting how you play overall.
Potential for Misplacement
The fast-paced nature of soccer means mouthguards can sometimes become dislodged during gameplay.
Having to pick up and put back the mouthguard that’s covered in grass takes time and can interrupt the game’s rhythm!
Famous Soccer Players That Wear Mouthguards
While the use of mouthguards in soccer might not be as common as other protective gear, several famous soccer players have been known to wear mouthguards for added protection:
- Lionel Messi
- Neymar Jr.
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Harry Kane
- Gerard Piqué
- Edinson Cavani
- James Rodriguez
Best Types of Mouthguards for Soccer Use
When it comes to choosing a mouthguard for soccer, there are a few options to consider. Here are the main types of mouthguards suitable for soccer:
Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are ready-to-use, off-the-shelf options found in many sports stores. They come in different sizes but aren’t tailored to your mouth.
They’re affordable and easy to get, but they might not fit very well, making them less comfy and possibly less protective.
Stock mouthguards might not be the best for people with braces or specific dental needs.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are also readily available at sporting goods stores and offer a degree of customization.
Players soften the mouthguard in boiling water and then bite into it, allowing it to adapt somewhat to the contours of their teeth.
While this type of mouthguard provides a better fit than stock options, it might not effectively accommodate braces or dental work.
Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards are the best for protection and comfort, especially for soccer players with braces.
These mouthguards are made by taking a mold of your teeth, so they fit exactly right, ensuring a precise fit that accounts for individual dental features, braces, and any orthodontic appliances.
They offer optimal protection against impacts and minimize the risk of discomfort or interference during play.
Double-Layer Mouthguards
Certain mouthguards have two layers: a soft inside layer for comfort and a tougher outside layer for extra protection from hits.
These mouthguards give you both cushioning and strength, which is why a lot of soccer players like them. They’re a good choice if you want both comfort and safety.
Is It Safe to Wear Mouthguards With Braces On?
Wearing a mouthguard with braces is recommended to ensure the safety and protection of both your teeth and your braces during physical activities like sports.
But there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure both your comfort and the effectiveness of the mouthguard:
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
While standard “boil-and-bite” mouthguards are available, they might not provide a proper fit for individuals with braces.
It’s recommended to opt for a custom-fitted mouthguard, which can be specifically designed to accommodate your braces’ structure, ensuring both protection and comfort.
Consult Your Orthodontist
Before picking a mouthguard, talk to your orthodontist first!
They can chat with you about what you need and suggest the right mouthguard for your braces. They’ll help you choose the best one for you.
Orthodontic Wax
Braces sometimes have sharp parts that might bother your mouth or even cause injuries, especially during sports.
Putting orthodontic wax on those sharp edges before you wear the mouthguard can make you feel more comfortable.
Regular Maintenance
Taking good care of both your braces and your mouthguard is super important.
Keep your braces clean and do what your orthodontist tells you! And don’t forget to clean your mouthguard really well before and after you use it to keep your mouth healthy.
Choose the Right Type of Mouthguard
Some mouthguards are designed specifically for use with braces, featuring extra space to accommodate the brackets and wires.
These mouthguards are usually more comfy and do a better job of keeping you safe.
The Final Score
Using a mouthguard during soccer brings lots of advantages that go beyond the field.
Mouthguards play an integral role in preserving your dental health. It not only safeguards your jaw but also reduces the risk of sports-related injuries like knocked-out teeth, broken dental work, and concussions that can result from impacts during intense sports activities.
Wearing this basic but effective protective gear boosts both how you play and how you feel overall as a soccer player.
