Why Every Soccer Player Needs a Protective Mouthguard for Safety

As I stood on the sidelines watching my nephew's soccer match last weekend, I saw something that made me wince - a young player took an accidental elbow to the face during a header attempt, and blood started streaming from his mouth immediately. This wasn't some high-stakes professional match, just a regular Saturday youth game, yet the consequences were very real. Having been involved in soccer both as a former player and now as a coach for over fifteen years, I've witnessed countless similar incidents that could have been prevented with one simple piece of equipment - a protective mouthguard.

Many players, especially younger ones, often question the necessity of mouthguards, viewing them as uncomfortable or unnecessary since they're not mandatory in most soccer leagues. But here's what I've learned through experience: soccer might be primarily about footwork, but it's definitely not just about feet. The average soccer player heads the ball approximately 12 times per game, and that doesn't account for the numerous collisions, falls, and accidental contacts that happen throughout play. Research from the American Dental Association suggests that athletes who don't wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries. Now, I know some might question that exact statistic, but the underlying truth remains undeniable - the risk is significantly higher without protection.

I remember coaching a talented sixteen-year-old forward who refused to wear his mouthguard, claiming it affected his breathing and communication. During a crucial playoff game, he took an unexpected knee to the jaw while dribbling past a defender. The impact shattered two front teeth and resulted in a concussion that kept him off the field for six weeks. The dental bills topped $8,000, and more importantly, his confidence took months to recover. What struck me most was how preventable this entire situation was. This experience fundamentally changed how I approach equipment safety with my teams.

The reference about team success being 80 percent about the team rather than just the coach resonates deeply here. As a coach, I've come to understand that my responsibility extends beyond tactics and training sessions. Making the team better means ensuring every player can perform at their optimal level while minimizing unnecessary risks. When key players get sidelined by preventable injuries, the entire team dynamic suffers. I've seen promising seasons derailed because a star player suffered a dental injury that could have been avoided with proper protective gear.

What many players don't realize is that modern mouthguard technology has come incredibly far. The bulky, uncomfortable models of the past have been replaced by sleek, custom-fitted options that barely affect breathing or speech. Some advanced models even incorporate impact sensors that can alert medical staff to potential concussions. Personally, I recommend the boil-and-bite varieties for younger players, while serious competitors might benefit from professionally fitted options that offer superior protection and comfort.

The financial aspect often gets overlooked too. The average cost of replacing a single tooth ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, while a quality mouthguard costs between $20 and $100. From my perspective, that's one of the most straightforward risk-reward calculations in sports safety. I always tell parents that investing in proper mouth protection is like buying insurance - you hope you never need it, but you'll be incredibly grateful when you do.

Beyond the obvious dental protection, studies suggest that mouthguards may help reduce the severity of concussions by absorbing impact and stabilizing the head and neck. While the research isn't definitive, the potential additional benefits make the case for wearing them even stronger. In my coaching practice, I've noticed that players who wear mouthguards tend to be more confident in challenges and aerial duels, knowing they have that extra layer of protection.

Implementing mouthguard use does require some adjustment. I usually recommend players practice with them during training sessions to get accustomed to the feel. Within a couple of weeks, most players forget they're even wearing them. The initial resistance typically fades once they experience the psychological comfort of knowing their teeth and jaw are protected.

Looking at the broader picture of soccer safety culture, I believe mouthguards should become as standard as shin guards. While rule changes and coaching philosophies certainly impact player safety, the responsibility ultimately falls on individuals and teams to adopt protective measures that work. The 80 percent team success factor isn't just about skill and tactics - it's about having your full roster available and confident. A team missing key players due to preventable injuries is like a machine missing crucial components.

As soccer continues to evolve with faster pace and more physical play, the case for comprehensive protective equipment only grows stronger. My perspective has shifted over the years from viewing mouthguards as optional extras to considering them essential equipment. The small inconvenience of wearing one pales in comparison to the potential lifelong consequences of dental trauma or more severe head injuries. Having seen both sides - the preventable tragedies and the successful prevention stories - I'm convinced that making mouthguards standard equipment would represent significant progress in soccer safety culture. The beautiful game deserves beautiful smiles that last long after the final whistle blows.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-12 10:00