Stephen Curry, a towering figure in the NBA, owes much of his prowess to his remarkable ability from beyond the arc.

However, it’s not just his skill with the basketball that sets him apart; it’s also the seemingly mundane yet integral accessory that has accompanied him throughout his career – his teeth guard.

This unassuming piece of equipment has evolved into a symbol of Curry’s on-court persona, tracing its origins back to his college days. From the outset, it has been a steadfast companion, offering protection to the superstar’s jaw during intense play. Curry’s dedication to wearing the mouth guard is evident not only in its practicality but also in the unique manner in which he utilizes it.

During breaks in the game, Curry can often be seen keeping the mouth guard to one side of his lips, gnawing on it in a characteristic fashion. This idiosyncratic behavior has become part and parcel of his on-court routine, a ritual that sets him apart from his peers.

In a candid interview from 2015, Curry shed light on the genesis of his reliance on the tooth guard. Following a confrontation with Jon Brick in 2007, he recognized the need for additional protection for his jaw. Thus, the tooth guard emerged as a crucial component of his gear, safeguarding his teeth from potential displacement amidst the rigors of professional basketball.

While Curry’s tooth guard may be a source of comfort and confidence for the player himself, his friends and family view it with a mixture of bemusement and concern. Sonya Curry, his mother, jests about her son’s eccentric habits, including his penchant for biting his nails, picking his nose, and, of course, always having a tooth protector in his mouth. Yet, despite her lighthearted demeanor, she refrains from urging him to alter his ways.

The significance of Curry’s dental apparatus extends beyond mere protection; it also underscores the intricate rituals and routines that underpin the success of elite athletes. Although unconventional, his habit of chewing on the tooth guard during timeouts serves as a poignant reminder of the individualized techniques employed by athletes to optimize their performance on the court.

However, not everyone views Curry’s habit with unwavering approval. In a 2019 interview with HuffPost, dental hygienist Cindy Hernandez-Sturrock expressed reservations about Curry’s penchant for gum chewing while wearing the mouth guard. She cautioned that such behavior could compromise the guard’s effectiveness, potentially undermining its primary function of protecting the player’s teeth.

Despite the occasional skepticism, Curry’s adherence to his unique routine remains unwavering, emblematic of his commitment to maximizing his potential on the basketball court. Beyond its practical utility, his tooth guard serves as a tangible manifestation of the meticulous attention to detail that has propelled him to the pinnacle of his sport.

In essence, Stephen Curry’s tooth guard transcends its utilitarian purpose to become a symbol of his dedication, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. As he continues to dazzle audiences with his extraordinary talents, both on and off the court, it stands as a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.