It was another pulsating weekend of 6 Nations rugby; Scotland sneaking a precious win in the last minute of the game against Italy and Wales returning to form and thrashing a very indifferent French side. The highlight for me, I was there after all, was the truly Titanic game between England and Ireland – I have rarely seen a Test Match played with such intensity from the first to the last minute. It was a wonderful day in glorious sunshine and most definitely a day for smiling. Even in defeat and in the true spirit of rugby, the Irish supporters raised a glass and a smile and thoroughly enjoyed the craic. What a day!

In the professional game rugby players are top class athletes and need to be able to survive the immense physicality of the modern game. It is very different from my introduction to rugby 40 years ago when the two remaining fat boys and me formed the front row. In the joyous pictures of the players celebrating Danny Care’s try, and the same applied to Rob Kearney’s excellent try, I was particularly pleased to see everyone wearing proper mouthguards.

Mouthguards or gumshields are essential equipment for all active sportsmen and women, although sadly they are often overlooked and neglected. I would always advise having a custom made mouthguard, which is specifically designed to protect your teeth. It does require a couple of trips to come see us at the Dental Spa, once for the impression (and selection of the correct team colours) and then for a fitting. I often hear players complaining that they can never wear a gumshield, but that refers to the “boil in the bag” variety that only come in stock sizes and rarely fit accurately. Our mouthguards fit accurately and will protect your teeth – you will need to be all smiles for the after match interview.

So remember wear your mouthguard and Keep Smiling.

Written  by Mr Roy Dixon