Do motorbike racers wear gum shields?

[John D.]

After the race yesterday Rossi took something out of his mouth and put it in a little case. Never noticed this before. Gum shield?

And while we're on the subject, what a great race! Toseland really held his own and they are a few other rookies in the mix too. Should be a good season

[mat205125]

Don't think gum shields are common, but maybe it might have been a drinks hose from a camel back type affair.

[MrKipling43]

Most MotoGP guys wear gumshields.

I believe there's two reasons for it, the obvious one of it stopping them biting their tongue off in an accident but apparently some riders grind their teeth when they ride (without even realising - grim) and the gumshield stops them from wearing their teeth away.

[Toma500]

MrKipling43 said:

Most MotoGP guys wear gumshields.

I believe there's two reasons for it, the obvious one of it stopping them biting their tongue off in an accident but apparently some riders grind their teeth when they ride (without even realising - grim) and the gumshield stops them from wearing their teeth away.

What you said

[sjtscott]

MrKipling43 said:

Most MotoGP guys wear gumshields.

I believe there's two reasons for it, the obvious one of it stopping them biting their tongue off in an accident but apparently some riders grind their teeth when they ride (without even realising - grim) and the gumshield stops them from wearing their teeth away.

Rossi particularly wears one as he grinds his teeth when riding. Not all bike racers wear em.

[bigbadbikercats]

I never did. Perhaps that's why I was never really fast enough

--
Jonathon.

[mark69sheer]

I wish I had a gumshield when younger . . I used to suck my cheeks through my teeth before scraping footpegs.. after a hard ride the inside of my mouth was in agony.

I am surprised they are allowed though as MSA car driving regs don't allow anything in the mouth for racing. presuming a choking hazard.

[Carbon-Me1]

[quote=John D.]After the race yesterday Rossi took something out of his mouth and put it in a little case. Never noticed this before. Gum shield?

And while we're on the subject, what a great race! Toseland really held his own and they are a few other rookies in the mix too. Should be a good season [/quote

lol strangley i noticed that as well, also wondered why?

[Finchy172]

Maybe when helmet is resting on the tank you get teeth chattering at silly speeds??

Unless hes getting used to wearing a gum shield as he may try Rugby at the end of the year.

Rallying, Rugby, Motogp, Long Jump who knows whats next!!

[Regional]

A couple of the 250cc GP riders were wearing them as well.

Whilst talking of them - the difference in lap times is astonishingly small consider the engine size difference.