Just a quick question... Does anyone wear a mouthguard when riding off road? I wore one today and expected it to be awkward and uncomfortable but it wasn't at all. I won't ride without wearing a helmet but I just thought trying minimise the risk of concussion a bit more might be a wise idea if it's comfortable enough to bear (which it seems to be). I'm thinking about wearing the mouthguard on all rides in addition to my helmet.
Anyone else tried wearing a mouthguard? How did you find it and did you have any benefit if you have? Also I wear a full face helmet at times as well. Do you reckon a mouthguard would still give any protection against concussion while wearing a full face helmet?
I've never ridden with a mouthguard, but I have considered it. I like my teeth.
I consider myself something of a concussion expert, having suffered at least 6 skiing and playing high school football, the last two of which were from collisions to my lower jaw in offseason practice when I was not wearing a mouthguard. The shock that gets transmitted up to your brain in such cases is tremendous. It makes me queasy just recalling the feeling, but at least I still have the ability to do so.
If you ride aggressive enough that a high speed dismount is a reasonable possibility, I would think a mouthguard would be an excellent idea, one that I never really considered. The ones we used in football back in the day can be bought for cheap at any sporting goods store and can be molded to fit your mouth after being immersed in boiling water for a few seconds for a custom fit.
Would a mouthguard be of any benefit wearing a full face helmet? I'd imagine even wearing full face protection there's still a chance your lower jaw might be jolted up in an accident. Any thoughts?
Would a mouthguard be of any benefit wearing a full face helmet? I'd imagine even wearing full face protection there's still a chance your lower jaw might be jolted up in an accident. Any thoughts?
It wouldn't hurt - look at it as one more level of protection - aside from the jaw, dental work is pretty $.
"I would think a mouthguard would be an excellent idea" but they hinder my ability to breath (i breath threw my mouth a lot). anyone else have this problem? every coach i've ever talked to said my breathing was 'weak' *shrugs*. Anyway, i only wear one when i'm free riding and not too worried about endurance. The rest of the time (XC riding) i just try not to bite my tounge or anything like that.
"I would think a mouthguard would be an excellent idea" but they hinder my ability to breath (i breath threw my mouth a lot). anyone else have this problem? every coach i've ever talked to said my breathing was 'weak' *shrugs*. Anyway, i only wear one when i'm free riding and not too worried about endurance. The rest of the time (XC riding) i just try not to bite my tounge or anything like that.
Do you reckon it would help me keep my foot out my mouth in social situations then? :o
