Rugby is a contact sport and players must wear mouthguards for their own safety, says Sireli Kaloucava.

The Naitasiri rugby captain made the comment after the team received their customised mouthguards ahead of their 2020 Skipper Cup Premiership final against Suva tomorrow at the ANZ Stadium.

The team will advocate dental safety during the final and also next season.

“Wearing a mouthguard in contact sports like rugby offers a number of advantages,”he said.

“It cushions the blow to the face, reducing the risk of broken or damaged teeth.

“I have been wearing mouthguard throughout  the season and my teeth is fully protected.

“Studies indicate that mouthguards reduce the risk of mild traumatic brain injuries/concussions as it helps absorb shock caused by a direct blow to the jaw.

“Mouthguards protect the lips, tongue and inner lining of the cheeks.

“In comparison to the costs it’s more expensive to treat dental injuries than to invest in purchasing a mouth guard.”

The Fiji Oral Health Workers Association urged parents to ensure their children wear mouthguards in primary school rugby competitions.”

Association’s assistant secretary Dr Ranish Raj said wearing mouth guards was crucial.

“Not only children but also elders, they need to wear mouthguards when playing rugby,” Dr Raj said.

“Rugby is a contact sport and oral structures and tissues can be damaged if players don’t wear mouthguards.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua