Following recent discussions about the benefits of gumshields for riders, H&H canvassed opinions from governing bodies’ chief medical advisers, a dentist and mouthguard specialist, plus riders from across the disciplines...
Debate over the use of gumshields in equestrian sport has resurfaced following a call from a high-profile jockey and discussion at the International Eventing Forum.
The 20-time Grade One-winning jockey Paddy Brennan called for “every jump jockey to be wearing” a gumshield, adding that his “saved his head” in a fall at Leicester last month.
While talking about the best way to fall at the International Eventing Forum at Hartpury (3 February), orthopaedic surgeon Michael Eames said wearing a gumshield can help dissipate the energy in your jaw and neck, reducing the risk of a head injury.
Although there is no conclusive evidence gumshields reduce a person’s risk of concussion, some who wear them are convinced of the benefits, and they can certainly help prevent dental injuries, which are painful, inconvenient and expensive.
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