It’s not hard to see why rugby is one of the most entertaining sports in the world. The action is fast, players are tough, and there are a lot of contacts.
As a result, injuries happen pretty frequently, especially in the mouth and teeth. That’s why it’s so important that players wear protective gear like mouthguards on their teeth.
In this article, we’ll answer your question “do rugby players wear mouthguards?” and discuss everything else you need to know about protecting your teeth while playing rugby.
Why do rugby players wear mouthguards?
Rugby players wear mouthguards to protect their teeth, lips, and gums. It also prevents injuries to the mouth area by absorbing any shock that may occur during a game.
- To protect their teeth, lips, and gums. The mouthguard guards the front row of teeth. It also prevents injuries to the mouth area by absorbing any shock that may occur during a game by acting as a cushion between your face and the object that hits it.
- To prevent concussion. What happens if an opposing player kicks you in the jaw? This can cause a concussion, which is also referred to as mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). With this injury, there are no visible signs or symptoms but it can still be serious and life-threatening if not treated properly.
- To help prevent broken teeth. A mouthguard protects all of your teeth from being chipped or cracked when something heavy falls onto them like another rugby player’s elbow for example!
Do you need a mouthguard for touch rugby?
In general, the answer to this question depends on the level of contact. For touch rugby, a gum shield is not required, but it is not recommended because it can cause discomfort while playing. If you are unsure whether or not you should wear one, ask your coach or trainer which option they prefer and follow their instructions accordingly.
Why do some rugby players not wear mouthguards?
There are some players who don’t wear mouthguards because they feel like it doesn’t help them out. They don’t want to feel the mouthguard in their mouths and would rather not have it there. Others don’t like how they look with a mouthguard, so they choose not to wear them.
Some rugby players just do not like the feel of the mouthguard on their lips or gums, which can hurt if you accidentally bite down on it during play.
Is gum shield mandatory in rugby?
Yes, gum shields are mandatory for some players. In Italy and Australia, rugby gum shields are mandatory for players under 16 years of age. In other countries such as England, Wales, and Scotland gum shields are only required for players who take part in certain competitions or games.
For example:
- In England and Wales, gum guards must be worn by all players in schools’ cup competitions but not necessarily at other levels of the game;
- In Scotland parents can be fined if they fail to enforce their child’s use of a mouth guard during training sessions or matches;
- And in France, it’s up to each individual player whether or not they want one
Do all professional rugby players wear gum shields?
Some players do not wear mouthguards, as they feel more comfortable without them. This is a personal decision and will be dependent on the player’s preference. The majority of rugby players will opt to wear a gum shield, however, there are some who prefer not to do so.
What do gum shields do in rugby?
A gum shield is a protective mouthguard that covers your teeth and protects them from injury during a game. It’s made of hard plastic or acrylic but has softer edges to fit snugly between your lips and cheeks. You can wear one for rugby, hockey, or lacrosse—or any sport where you might get hit in the face.
- Gum shields protect your teeth from injury: A gum shield protects your teeth from being chipped or knocked out because it absorbs some of the impacts when you’re tackled by another player during a game. If you don’t wear one it could result in serious dental injuries!
- They also prevent other injuries: The lack of protection could cause more than just broken teeth—it can also lead to cuts on your lips and cheeks that require stitches at the dentist’s office if left untreated
Should I wear it?
The answer? Yes, you should wear one. A properly fitted mouthguard is not only a protective device but also an essential piece of equipment that can help prevent injuries, both serious and otherwise.
Wearing a mouthguard while playing rugby will:
- Prevent concussions by absorbing the shock of impact to your teeth, jaw, and face when you’re tackled or hit by another player.
- Protect against broken teeth if you fall onto the ground with your mouth open when tackling someone else or going for the ball.
- Keep cuts and lacerations from slicing into your cheeks, lips, and tongue as well as lacerating (cutting deeply through) any part of your mouth that might be exposed during play such as between two adjacent teeth; in between all four front teeth; at the back of the bottom row of molars (last set).
Conclusion
Yes, you should wear a gum shield. If you’re playing a sport that involves contact with other players or objects like balls or oars, then you should protect your teeth with a mouthguard. It’s as simple as that!