What piece of equipment is essential for players to protect their teeth?

The essential piece of equipment for protecting players' teeth is the face shield or mouth guard. This particular gear is specifically designed to absorb and disperse impact, which is crucial during intense play when players are at risk of collisions, falls, or puck impacts.

Mouth guards fit comfortably over the teeth and can significantly reduce the likelihood of dental injuries, including cracked, fractured, or completely lost teeth. Additionally, they can also help prevent concussions by providing some cushioning that can absorb shock during impacts.

While helmets provide vital head protection, they do not directly shield the lower face and teeth. Skates and shoulder pads serve different purposes—skates allow for movement on the ice, and shoulder pads protect the upper body from impacts, but neither addresses the protection of the teeth specifically. Thus, the face shield or mouth guard is indispensable for ensuring the safety and integrity of players' dental health during the game.