Gumshield wearing, yea, nay & what benefit : Wed Aug 20, 2014 12:03 pm  

I'm looking into 'protective' equipment and comparisons to other sports and the perceived benefits/risk compensation (if any) and common sense that actually isn't in that it contradicts the statistics.
Having being a non wearer for many years, when I came back to the sport in my early 30s (10+ years ago) I started wearing one as everone else seemed to be.

Then I stopped after a few games feeling I didn't need one & reckoned the chances of being smashed in the head/face in such a way as to do much damage (or the type of damage a gumshield might prevent) seemed very low even as a 2nd rower, though my playing level wasn't all that high the hits/contact were still pretty tough.

If you could give me a simple reason why/why not and what benefit (or not) you thought it gave you.
thanks muchly

Re: Gumshield wearing, yea, nay & what benefit : Wed Aug 20, 2014 12:26 pm  

I've played the game for many years and never once worn a gum shield (granted I've played scrum half most of my life), but being in such a pivotal position having a gum shield in made it difficult to communicate and I just found them annoying.

As I've got fatter, I've moved into the pack (hooker) and I still don't wear one, although I can understand why people do as I know players who have had pretty serious mouth injuries and lost numerous teeth.

It's all about personal preference I suppose.

Re: Gumshield wearing, yea, nay & what benefit : Wed Aug 20, 2014 12:54 pm  

I got elbowed in the chops recently (accidentaly in the tackle) and suffered a badly gashed lip and my two front teeth felt like they had been knocked out.fortunately i was wearing a gum shield and my teeth were fully intact, just felt a little sore for a couple of days.I'm convinced my gum shield saved them.In my first spell of playing the game i didn't bother wearing one and now believe i was very lucky not to lose any teeth, as in the last couple of years i have had a few occasions where i think my gum shield has saved me.

its up to you, a few quid and know your teeth will be safe or take the gamble and that one bad collision lose your front gnashers.I know what i would do!

Re: Gumshield wearing, yea, nay & what benefit : Wed Aug 20, 2014 12:58 pm  

A Gum sheild not any protects your mouth and teeth but also your risk of suffering a concusion by keeping your mouth slightly open and space for your mandable up the side and around your jaw, I play american football and they are mandatory for that reason.

Re: Gumshield wearing, yea, nay & what benefit : Wed Aug 20, 2014 1:17 pm  

I always wore one. Not worth the risk of having my teeth knocked out:. You can get really good quality gum shields pretty cheaply now and dont notice they are in (except when your trying to talk) When I first started as a junior I found them horrible to have in and never fitted properly.

Re: Gumshield wearing, yea, nay & what benefit : Wed Aug 20, 2014 2:21 pm  

I've always worn one. Wouldn't play without it. As already mentioned, they protect against concussion, as well as your teeth. A shield that fits, and I've always only used the ones you put in boiling water, won't impact you communicating. After a few wears, you won't realise you have it in.

Re: Gumshield wearing, yea, nay & what benefit : Wed Aug 20, 2014 4:52 pm  

Having a few missing teeth was almost a badge of honour when I played in the 70s. I lost 5 before I saw sense in the early 80s. The point about guarding against concussion is well made, too.

Re: Gumshield wearing, yea, nay & what benefit : Wed Aug 20, 2014 4:57 pm  

I've only recently started wearing a mouth guard and it does make a difference in my opinion ( even though you can't mouth off to the officials as good as you can without one in!!!) but I found that they are much better if you get them from your dentist rather than a sports shop such as sports direct etc

Re: Gumshield wearing, yea, nay & what benefit : Wed Aug 20, 2014 8:01 pm  

Why anyone would risk not wearing one is beyond me. Yes, it's a small chance you'll have teeth knocked out etc but could still happen and for £4 or whatever they cost they're surely worth it

[Durham Giant]

Re: Gumshield wearing, yea, nay & what benefit : Wed Aug 20, 2014 8:09 pm  

I would alwayscwear one. But rember losing it / not packing it for a game . I thought what are the chances of getting clobbered. Next game accidentally got clobbered by the back of someones head in a tackle and lost my front tooth. 30 years later i still have problems with the capped tooth.