[Willdiesoon]

Does anyone wear one?

After riding the rough Dalton for several hours, I found myself clenching my teeth a lot.

I never noticed it before when riding dirt roads around where I live, but am seriously considering one now.

 

[Dino M]

Like we used to do in the old days riding dirt. Carry a do rag and tie it around your nose and mouth like a cowboy. Cheap and convenient. Worked then and will work now.

 

[jeems]

Like we used to do in the old days riding dirt. Carry a do rag and tie it around your nose and mouth like a cowboy. Cheap and convenient. Worked then and will work now.

I think he means to go in his mouth to protect his teeth like a boxer/fighter/football player, not to cover his mouth/face. Never thought of it; I'm curious to see this answer as well...

 

[Ranger Ron]

What kind of helmet are you using? I'm guessing something other than a full face?

One option could be a dirt helmet:




Back in the day before full face helmets, we used to screw football helmet face guards on our open face helmets (that's all there was) then use duct tape to cover the opening. I don't have a picture, but you get the idea.

Then came the first full face, the Bell Star:



One other option you might consider is a dual sport helmet such as the Arai XD3:
Arai XD3 Motorcycle Helmet 2011 | Jake Wilson

The dual sport helmets are a cross between a dirt and street helmet. They have a mouth guard, a visor, and a shield. The drawback with the dual sport helmets is that wind can be a problem at speed.

Ron :mrgreen:

 

[Willdiesoon]

Sorry my bad, I meant an actual mouth guard to protect my teeth like jeems mentions. I currently have a full face helmet, but I am looking at the dual sport helmets as well. The link is what I am considering at the moment.

 

[jeems]

Can't say I ever thought of one for off road riding, but I don't do much. For Jiujitsu/kickboxing I use a shock doctor. $20 at Dick's
It is comfortable (relatively speaking) and I can breathe with it in.

 

[weekend_warrior]

I ride offroad (enduro racing) and other rides. Its not a problem for me. If you're clenching to much your grip is likely to tight on the bars as well. Loosen up and try chewing gum. It will keep you from clenching to much. If you have a full face you don't need the protection.

 

[henerythe8th]

If you feel like a mouth guard would be beneficial, then try it out.

I used to use one all of the time. I haven't had one re-made since my last crown, but I don't feel the need for it anymore...

I found myself clenching my teeth while riding on the road. My dental hygienist custom made one for free! Yours may, too...

You can get self fit ones, too.
Most require heating in hot water and fitting to your teeth while hot--follow the instructions...


.

 

[fredellarby]

Try it. No one else's advice will tell you as much.
The cheap self-fit ones at the sports stores work.
I still keep one handy because I sometimes clench my teeth when I sleep. Just wearing it stops the clenching.

 

[water warrior]

A friend off mine chewed gum all the time until he hit a big bump and almost choked to death on his gum. A mouth guard is harder to swallow.

 

[Attackturtle]

If you get one, I recommend this one. I have used it for 2 years now although not for riding. If your not used to a mouth guard, you should wear it around the house a little bit at a time and work up to longer stretches. It is easy to get nauseous with them. I like the below version because it has breathing holes built into it.

Amazon.com: Brain-Pad LoPro+ Double Laminated Strap/Strapless Combo in one Adult Mouthguard: Sports & Outdoors

 

[BillZ]

I have thought about this a lot. I remember my days of high school football and worry about my teeth/jaw while riding off road. I have a full face helmet but I also know that you can really jolt your mouth simply by falling, especially against a hard surface like rocks and trees. I was wondering about this idea myself but hadn't taken the time to ask, so I am not really surprised by your question but rather by the answers reflecting the fact that no one has mentioned it, yet. I think it's a great idea and I intend to get one of those self fitting ones when my chance to go off road comes back around. I think it's a great idea.

 

[Bliz]

I've ridden and race many thousands of miles off road and have never needed a mouth guard. Crashed many times also. I've never seen anyone from C riders to AA riders ever use one. Get a good quality, good fitting full face helmet and I can't see the need for a mouth guard.

 

[RydinFool]

Common Sense

Mouth guard - less than 5 bucks
Trip to the dentist - you do the math

I wear one when I sleep because I grind my teeth, one the bike, a single chipped tooth and subsequent trip to the dentist is not something I want to do.