Safety Gear: Why You Should Consider Racing With a Mouthguard

In motorsports, safety equipment is paramount. From helmets to HANS devices, racers equip themselves with every precaution to minimize the risks that come with high speeds and close quarters. But there’s one piece of safety gear that’s rarely discussed: the mouthguard. For most, dental trauma might not seem like a typical racing hazard, but when fellow Mazda grassroots racer Josh Hansen chipped half of his front teeth in a major accident during the Cat Majors at Road America this past July, the conversation around mouthguards in racing came to light.

To explore the potential benefits of mouthguards in road racing, we spoke with Dr. Leslie Pitner, a recently retired orthodontist and former Spec Miata racer. Dr. Pitner, who raced for five years with Panic Motorsports and treated patients of all ages in South Carolina, believes that while mouthguards aren’t strictly necessary for racers, they could be a smart addition to the driver’s safety kit.

The Potential Risks of Racing Without a Mouthguard

According to Dr. Pitner, wearing a helmet and HANS device typically provides substantial protection from dental injuries in a crash. Yet, there’s still a slight risk to racers’ teeth when collisions occur. “The main risk that a mouthguard would mitigate is if the force of a collision causes the lower teeth of the driver to hit the upper teeth,” she explains. “That force could cause teeth to fracture and could even contribute to a concussion.” For racers like Hansen, whose crash left him with significant dental trauma, a mouthguard could have been a simple yet effective barrier to prevent or lessen the severity of his injuries.

Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Racing

For those considering adding a mouthguard to their gear, Dr. Pitner suggests a slim, custom-fitted guard worn over the upper teeth only. Unlike contact sports, where athletes require full-coverage mouthguards to protect against external impacts, racers need a more minimal guard. “You aren’t worrying about someone or something hitting the teeth since the helmet offers protection in that way,” she says. “You’re trying to avoid the hard contact of your own teeth, and a single-arch mouthguard achieves that without the bulkiness of a dual-arch mouthguard.”

This type of mouthguard, comparable in size to a clear aligner, won’t interfere with communication or comfort. “The biggest downside would be if the mouthguard impedes your speech,” Dr. Pitner notes. “This is why I’d recommend a smaller guard fitted to the upper teeth. Communication over the radio is critical in racing, so you want to be able to speak clearly.”

The Balancing Act: Comfort vs. Safety

In her years of racing, Dr. Pitner didn’t encounter dental trauma as a common occurrence. However, she believes that adding a mouthguard could be a wise, low-cost safety measure. “Some people clench their teeth under stress, so for them, a mouthguard may actually make them more comfortable,” she adds. “But I imagine others would want to spit it out immediately! Racing involves a lot of gear, and I can see some drivers balking at adding one more item that’s helpful, but not strictly necessary. Car racing is all about calculated risks, and this decision is one of them.”

Dr. Pitner’s story is a reminder of the incredible camaraderie within the racing community. She recalls her time in Spec Miata racing as a balance between skill, risk, and fun. “The absolute best thing about racing was the community,” she says. “I had as much fun watching my fellow Panic racers and supporting them as I did racing.” While she may no longer be on the track, her insight as both a racer and orthodontist is invaluable to those considering new ways to enhance their safety.

So, should racers add a mouthguard to their list of protective gear? While it may not be essential, a slim, custom-fitted mouthguard could make a significant difference in a high-impact crash—protecting teeth from fractures and possibly reducing concussion risk. This small, non-intrusive piece of equipment offers a simple, inexpensive way to enhance safety and avoid painful injuries, making it a worthwhile consideration for racers at any level.