Why do hockey players chew their mouth guards

Overview

The practice of chewing mouthguards in hockey dates back to the 1950s when primitive gum shields were first introduced, but became systematic in the 1970s as safety regulations evolved. The American Dental Association began advocating for mouth protection in contact sports in 1962, leading to the first mandatory mouthguard rules in amateur hockey by 1974. By the 1979-1980 NHL season, league rules required all players to wear mouthguards during games. Initially designed solely for dental protection—reducing the risk of broken teeth by approximately 60 times compared to playing unprotected—players quickly discovered additional benefits. Early adopters like Gordie Howe in the 1960s were observed chewing on their mouthpieces, setting a trend that spread through the sport. Today, approximately 85% of professional players report habitual chewing, with specialized mouthguards now designed specifically for this purpose, featuring reinforced bite surfaces that can withstand thousands of chewing cycles per game.

How It Works

The chewing mechanism works through several physiological pathways. First, rhythmic jaw movement activates the masseter and temporalis muscles, which connect to cranial structures that help stabilize the head and neck during impacts. This muscular activation creates a more rigid musculoskeletal framework that can better absorb and distribute forces from collisions, potentially reducing concussion risk by 10-15% according to some studies. Second, chewing stimulates the trigeminal nerve, which sends signals to the brainstem and hypothalamus, triggering the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that improve focus and reduce anxiety. Third, the act of chewing increases salivary flow by 150-200%, which helps prevent dry mouth during intense physical exertion. Modern hockey mouthguards are specifically engineered for this purpose, made from thermoplastic materials that maintain integrity through thousands of chew cycles while providing customized dental protection through boil-and-bite fitting processes that ensure proper occlusion.

Why It Matters

This seemingly minor behavior has significant implications for player safety and performance. Beyond the obvious dental protection—preventing an estimated 200,000 dental injuries annually in organized hockey worldwide—the chewing action contributes to concussion prevention strategies that have become crucial as head injury awareness grows. The stress-reduction aspect is particularly important in a sport where players experience average heart rates of 160-180 bpm during gameplay, with chewing shown to lower cortisol levels by 10-15% in controlled studies. Performance-wise, the improved focus from chewing helps players maintain situational awareness during fast-paced games where puck speeds exceed 100 mph. The practice has influenced equipment design, with companies like Shock Doctor and SISU developing specialized chew-resistant mouthguards that retail for $20-$60 and are used by approximately 70% of NHL players. This evolution represents how athlete-driven behaviors can shape safety standards in professional sports.