I'm looking into 'protective' equipment and comparisons to other sports and the perceived benefits/risk compensation (if any) and common sense that actually isn't in that it contradicts the statistics.
Having being a non wearer for many years, when I came back to the sport in my early 30s (10+ years ago) I started wearing one as everone else seemed to be.

Then I stopped after a few games feeling I didn't need one & reckoned the chances of being smashed in the head/face in such a way as to do much damage (or the type of damage a gumshield might prevent) seemed very low even as a 2nd rower, though my playing level wasn't all that high the hits/contact were still pretty tough.

If you could give me a simple reason why/why not and what benefit (or not) you thought it gave you.
thanks muchly

I've played the game for many years and never once worn a gum shield (granted I've played scrum half most of my life), but being in such a pivotal position having a gum shield in made it difficult to communicate and I just found them annoying.

As I've got fatter, I've moved into the pack (hooker) and I still don't wear one, although I can understand why people do as I know players who have had pretty serious mouth injuries and lost numerous teeth.

It's all about personal preference I suppose.

I got elbowed in the chops recently (accidentaly in the tackle) and suffered a badly gashed lip and my two front teeth felt like they had been knocked out.fortunately i was wearing a gum shield and my teeth were fully intact, just felt a little sore for a couple of days.I'm convinced my gum shield saved them.In my first spell of playing the game i didn't bother wearing one and now believe i was very lucky not to lose any teeth, as in the last couple of years i have had a few occasions where i think my gum shield has saved me.

its up to you, a few quid and know your teeth will be safe or take the gamble and that one bad collision lose your front gnashers.I know what i would do!

A Gum sheild not any protects your mouth and teeth but also your risk of suffering a concusion by keeping your mouth slightly open and space for your mandable up the side and around your jaw, I play american football and they are mandatory for that reason.

I always wore one. Not worth the risk of having my teeth knocked out:. You can get really good quality gum shields pretty cheaply now and dont notice they are in (except when your trying to talk) When I first started as a junior I found them horrible to have in and never fitted properly.

I've always worn one. Wouldn't play without it. As already mentioned, they protect against concussion, as well as your teeth. A shield that fits, and I've always only used the ones you put in boiling water, won't impact you communicating. After a few wears, you won't realise you have it in.

Having a few missing teeth was almost a badge of honour when I played in the 70s. I lost 5 before I saw sense in the early 80s. The point about guarding against concussion is well made, too.

I've only recently started wearing a mouth guard and it does make a difference in my opinion ( even though you can't mouth off to the officials as good as you can without one in!!!) but I found that they are much better if you get them from your dentist rather than a sports shop such as sports direct etc

Why anyone would risk not wearing one is beyond me. Yes, it's a small chance you'll have teeth knocked out etc but could still happen and for £4 or whatever they cost they're surely worth it

I would alwayscwear one. But rember losing it / not packing it for a game . I thought what are the chances of getting clobbered. Next game accidentally got clobbered by the back of someones head in a tackle and lost my front tooth. 30 years later i still have problems with the capped tooth.

Always worn one particularly after an early stray knock to my teeth in another sport. Could never get on with the ones you boil. Never regretted the investment in one from the dentist. Whatever your comfortable with it is well worth it and avoids years and £££s of expense replacing lost or damaged teeth.

I wore one when I played at a higher level but when I dropped down to more social rugby I stopped, partly because I wanted to talk more and partly because I felt I could handle myself better at that level.
I didn't have a problem but equally I saw someone playing at the social level get his teeth knocked out by falling forward and hitting a knee in the tackle. 6 new teeth needed, so it is worth while

And as explained above it protects more than just your teeth as it strengthens your "face position" if hit.

If you don't wear one, I think you're a numpty. In the same way as cycle helmets aren't compulsory, I wouldn't dream of going out without one. Rugby league is a collision sport, your mouth will get a smack at some point so get it protected.

Tried a few out when I first started playing however found it very difficult to communicate with team mates while it was in my mouth. I never wore one after that, though I would hate to lose teeth so if I did go back playing I would look into maybe a thinner one that was easier to talk with.

Thanks for all contributions and votesIn the same way as cycle helmets aren't compulsory, I wouldn't dream of going out without one. Rugby league is a collision sport, your mouth will get a smack at some point so get it protected.'"