NBA superstar Stephen Curry, famed for his remarkable three-point shooting and general basketball ability, is frequently spotted chewing on his mouthguard. Though there is no universal explanation for why players such as Curry participate in this behavior, many of them have some of the following characteristics:

The high stakes and intense pressure of an NBA game can have a significant impact on a player’s mental health. Athletes have found that chewing on a mouthguard is a great way to relieve tension and keep their mind on the game.

Chewing on anything has been shown to improve focus in some athletes. It can help you keep your head in the game and your concentration strong.

Habits and routines, such as wearing a mouthguard, can provide a sense of stability and familiarity for athletes competing under intense conditions.

Protective mouthpieces, or “mouthguards,” are often composed of a flexible and soft material. They can be chewed to give some relief from the discomfort of physical activity.

In order to channel nervous energy or adrenaline in a way that doesn’t hinder performance, some sportsmen find it helpful to chew on a mouthguard. It’s a great way to work off the nerves that come with playing a sport at a high level of competition.

Athletes can rehydrate without removing their mouthguards thanks to the little holes or channels in some models. In certain situations, it may be helpful to chew on the mouthguard to keep it in place.

It’s worth noting that not all athletes partake in this practice, and that the motivations behind it might vary widely. It’s also worth noting that some athletes use mouthguards for the sake of teeth protection alone, while others pick up the practice for the aforementioned reasons.

Stephen Curry and other NBA players may chew on mouthguards during games if that’s their desire. Like other sports-related rituals and actions, this one has been identified with their playing style and personality.