The Most Recognizable Accessory in Sports

In Game 6 of the NBA finals, Stephen Curry fouled out for the first time this season, and threw his mouth guard, hitting a fan in the face (he was also ejected from the game).  Curry immediately apologized, and the fan said he was very polite about it.  However, it cost the two-time MVP $25,000 as a fine from the NBA.

It turns out that Curry's mouth guard is the most recognizable accessory in sports.   Whenever he's at the free-throw line, Curry removes his mouthguard from where it's supposed to be, and chews it. It's a tad peculiar, but also unique. And, apparently, it also has a legitimate impact on his performance. So don't expect a change anytime soon (via Sports Illustrated):

“Some fan studied it. He said I shoot 2% better on free throws with it out. And I think he’s right. Because when I shoot a free throw with it in, I always go, Whoa, that’s weird. It’s where it’s supposed to be.”

 And here's what Curry had to say about it last August when he was on Jimmy Kimmel Live:

In fact one of his mouth guards is being auctioned off for charity, with a starting bid of $5,000. 

Obviously, the mouth guard is working for him — and we think wearing it every time he plays is a great decision. While many people associate mouth guards with sports like boxing and football, accident statistics tell a different story. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, two ‘non-collision’ sports — basketball and baseball — cause the most injuries to the face, jaws and teeth! Other sports that carry significant risks of orofacial injury include skiing, gymnastics, bicycling, soccer… and some two dozen more. That’s why a mouthguard is such an essential piece of protective gear for athletes at all levels.

What’s the best kind of mouth guard? The one you wear all the time! And that’s going to be the one that fits most comfortably and offers the highest level of protection. In other words, one that is custom-made just for you. There’s simply no other mouth guard that offers that degree of comfort and safety… not the “off-the-rack” ones at big box stores, not even the “boil-and-bite” types that you mold at home.  

Only dentists can offer a custom-fabricated mouth guard made from a model of your own mouth. It’s sure to fit perfectly, and it covers more of your bite than the others. It’s quite reasonable in cost — especially when you compare it to the potential cost of dental work if you don’t wear one. Mouth guards are turning up more frequently in all levels of athletic competition… and this trend is likely to continue, as more and more athletes, coaches and parents learn about the extra margin of safety they provide.  West Hartford dentist, Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, can make you a custom mouth guard for sports, to protect that winning smile.

Do mouth guards have other benefits? Stephen Curry seems to think so. He says chewing on his “kind of calms me down, especially when I’m at the free throw line, just getting my rhythm.” We’re glad it helps — and doubly glad that when the action’s heating up, he puts it back in his mouth where it belongs!

Looking forward to a thrilling finale,