Mouthguards

[BSR6]

There was a post about these a while back...anybody use one? There seemed to be some pretty good reasons why its a good idea. I am just a trackday rider so maybe its not worth it for me?

Anyone got any input?

[RyanNicholson]

I doubt I could ever wear a mouth guard on the track. Not sure I've ever seen anybody wear one.

[The Snowman]

I thought Pete (O) said he used one at one time.

I tried two different Shock Doctor types, but found that it caused dry mouth, as I tended to have my mouth open with them in.

Without it, I keep my mouth closed and breather out of my nose.

[DuncanMoto]

I've seen quite a few racers wear them, but I can't do it.
I think Bergs may wear one.

[butcher bergs]

Just picked my new one up yesterday.

I can only see the benefits from outfitting myself with one. Further reduction in the risk of concussion, no shattering teeth on impact, no accidental candy or gum in my mouth, etc.

Picked up a Shock Doctor Nano Gel for $20 at Sports Authority.

Fitment is slick and the mouth guard is very comfortable once the fitting process is complete. Took about 10 minutes total with most of that time waiting for the water to boil.

[Chippertheripper]

I used one as well, and plan on using continuing to do so.

[brady]

I researched this a few weks ago, found a lot of helpful comments on the WERA forum.

[McBiggity]

I wore one when I raced.
I felt it got rid of the cottonmouth I was getting when racing without one. Did not hinder me at all.

[OreoGaborio]

I thought Pete (O) said he used one at one time.

Naw, I haven't used one yet... I did start a thread asking about them though.

[smf]

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Used one last season, didnt distract me at all. can't imagine not using one now.

[Doc]

I think it is a good idea and will try it this year.

[Charlief]

I use one on the track. Dental work is not cheap.

I was in a horrible accident years ago and my front teeth were knocked out. Sixteen thousand (yes 16k) dollars worth of implants later and a year of surgery/healing .... no one can tell I had such a trauma. Dental insurance is useless in a case like this as it only covers 1500 per year. So I paid for 85% out of pocket. Luckily I was in a position to afford great healthcare.

I get a new mouth guard every year. Worth it for me. Wish I was wearing one when I had my accident!

[bdawkins20]

I will Def. use one. I figure I will go with the football Wide reciever model as it will be easier to grab with bike gloves on and what not. I know during racing I was also gritting my teeth so hopefully this will cut down on that.

[Rambunctous]

I think it is a good idea and will try it this year.

Me too. I am buying real good safety gear and why skimp here. Great thread.

[jamotech741]

Id be concerned that if you get knocked out, take a tumble, theres a chance of it getting displaced in your mouth and getting lodged in your throat or the back of your mouth restricting your airway while your passed out. Or it could get displaced out of your mouth and get in the way of the emt taking your helmet off, which is hard enough already. I think the types of impact a mouth guard is designed for would already be protected by a full face helmet. I actually bought one myself a few years back, molded it up, but then decided not to mostly because it kept my mouth open too much.

[butcher bergs]

Id be concerned that if you get knocked out, take a tumble, theres a chance of it getting displaced in your mouth and getting lodged in your throat or the back of your mouth restricting your airway while your passed out. Or it could get displaced out of your mouth and get in the way of the emt taking your helmet off, which is hard enough already. I think the types of impact a mouth guard is designed for would already be protected by a full face helmet. I actually bought one myself a few years back, molded it up, but then decided not to mostly because it kept my mouth open too much.

I don't see how it would become dislodged and cause those problems. I molded mine up and they hold very well to my top teeth. Going on what I've noticed I'd say it would take quite a blow to remove them completely from the teeth and have them cause an issue somewhere else.

A mouth guard isn't just for direct head impact like you see in boxing for example. From what I understand they also aid in slowing the vibration that can travel a considerable distance as a result of an impact. Ever heard of a product called "DynaMat"? Think about it in the same manner. Not only are you protecting a core area but you are also protecting the surrounding areas by damping the vibration frequencies.

[Rambunctous]

Nothing is ever cut and dry.

[drinkingmymilk]

I wear one at the track, So use to them from hockey it doesn't bother me. On the street I can't be bothered.

[BSR6]

I read an article a long time ago talking about why we should wear them. It gave a pretty in depth explanation of the multiple scenarios that it prevents.

Apparently when you crash your jaw can slam shut hard enough to cause a concussion. You can shatter your teeth, and apparently wearing one also helps keep your jaw inline preventing fractures and other injuries.

It seems like a good idea.

[OreoGaborio]

I"m a little skeptical on the whole "shattering your teeth" thing.... how many times have you ever heard of that happening?

I do however, believe that it COULD help prevent concussions... although I haven't seen any hard proof of that.

I just see it as cheap insurance. I dunno how much good it'll do, but I'll probably pick one up this year (I said that last year, too) and see if it's something I can get used to. If it's not a huge distraction I'll hold onto it. If it gets in the way of my breathing or anything, well then I'll ditch it.

[Sheppo]

I wont ride dirt and don't ever plan on riding the track with out one. I use the same one Bergs got at Sports Authority. I get a new one every 2 years. I wore it when I raced cars too. Concussions, Jaw and dental issues are important to me. My dentist recommended I wear one.

["Dangerous" Dan K]

I'd like to wear one. It's an ounce of prevention kind of thing. That said, I have to wear one in MMA and it really fucks me up. Maybe it's because i already have too many porcelain teeth? Whatever the reason, they bother me, and I'm not willing to spend any of my 10 cent of concentration thinking about a mouthguard as I race. If I could wear one without being aware that it's there 100% of the time, I would in a second.

[knarlydog]

Perhaps our resident Orthodontist will weigh in?? Paging Manny...

[NobodySpecific]

this thread motivated me to pick up one of these Shock Doctor Ultra STC to use for mountain biking, snowboarding, and some spirited rides. I'm hoping to do a track day this year, and I would wear it then as well. I don't see the harm in it, and I don't see how it could possibly come lose and cause me to choke, it is a very good fit.

[smf]

fyi, mine is a shock dr that sits on the bottom teeth. i was nervous going out with it the 1st time, was pretty surprised how comfortable it turned out to be and that it didn't move at all.

as mentioned, they're cheap protection, just might have to spend a little time to find one that fits/feels right (like when buying a helmet... though those are expensive). do what you're comfortable with. just like every other bit of protective gear. it's your choice. i preferred to keep myself as intact as possible.