Hockey players have a peculiar habit of chewing on their mouthguards during games, a practice that has been observed for years. The mouthguard, designed to protect the wearer’s teeth and mouth, is often visible hanging out of their mouths as they take hits and crash into the boards. This behavior has drawn comparisons to Linus from Peanuts fame, who was famously attached to his security blanket.
Purpose of Mouthguards
The primary purpose of a mouthguard is to safeguard the wearer’s teeth and prevent them from getting knocked out or damaged during high-impact sports like hockey. However, if it’s not worn correctly or if it becomes dislodged during play, its effectiveness can be compromised.
Reasons for Chewing Mouthguards
Players seem to enjoy chewing on their mouthguards while playing hockey. While this may seem unusual at first glance, there could be several reasons why players engage in this habit:
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Comfort and Reassurance: Chewing on the mouthguard may provide a sense of comfort or reassurance for players. In high-intensity sports like hockey, athletes are constantly under pressure, and stress can build up quickly. This behavior may help players relax and focus on the game at hand.
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Awareness of Presence: Chewing on the mouthguard might help players maintain awareness of its presence in their mouths. Mouthguards are designed to be worn over teeth, but some athletes might find themselves unconsciously adjusting them with their tongues or lips while playing.
Additional Protection
It’s worth noting that wearing a properly fitted helmet with a face mask can also provide protection for facial injuries, such as cheekbone fractures, which would still require medical attention even with proper fitting equipment.
Conclusion
Mouthguards are an essential piece of protective gear for hockey players, but they should always be worn correctly to maximize safety benefits.

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