Although mouthguards are usually linked to sports like rugby, hockey, and boxing, some footballers also use them to protect their teeth. One such player is Wataru Endo, who plays for Liverpool and the Japan national team, and he has shared his reasons for wearing one.
A surprising move, Endo joined Liverpool from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2023 as part of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield overhaul, alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. As a key figure in Klopp’s midfield, Endo is known for his calm but determined approach on the field. However, what many fans might not know is that he wears a mouthguard.
Endo has been wearing one for the past four seasons, ever since a conversation with his dentist while at Stuttgart. Contrary to popular belief, his reason for wearing it isn’t just about protecting his teeth.
Endo’s Unique Reason for Using a Mouthguard
In an interview with This Is Anfield, Endo explained, “It’s become so important to me that I can say I’m afraid to play without it. I first started using it after meeting a dentist named Jun Miyagawa in Germany. He told me, ‘Even monkeys have beautiful teeth; it’s only humans who lose theirs,’ and that ‘Resetting the jaw joint to its proper position helps both mind and body. The main purpose of a mouthguard is to protect your teeth.’”
Endo continued by acknowledging that while football is less likely to cause tooth damage compared to rugby or American football, impacts that break teeth still happen. His initial goal was to prevent this, and now, he no longer fears tooth injury and feels more confident during challenges.
Though the mouthguard’s primary role is to protect his teeth, Endo also believes it helps him get into the right mindset for the game. He explained that being aware of his jaw’s position helps him stay relaxed, adding that while it’s not absolutely essential, it does aid his focus on the pitch.
In a more personal reflection, Endo shared that wearing the mouthguard also enhances his appearance, making him feel like a fighter. He said, “When I put it on before a match, it’s like I’m in game mode,” emphasizing how it contributes to his all-action, determined persona.