How to Choose a Mouthguard
Mouthguards are an important part of any athlete's equipment list. A good sports mouthguard is an essential key to preventing damage and injury to your teeth and mouth. Our Experts share everything you need to know about buying a new mouthguard including why they're important, finding the right fit, and the different styles available.
The Importance of a Mouthguard on the Field
Both high impact sports like hockey and football, as well as mid impact sports like basketball recommend and sometimes even require mouthguards for their players. Even non-contact sports like flag football recommend having mouthguards for their player's safety.
Mouthguards serve different purposes. A sports mouthguard is not intended for medical purposes such as teeth grinding, orthodontic treatment, or other preventive dental care.
Sports That Use Mouthguards
You might ask yourself why flag football players or athletes in mid to low contact sports wear mouthguards? The answer is simple: accidental collisions and unexpected impacts can happen even in non-contact or limited-contact sports. By protecting your teeth and keeping you safe on the field, the right mouthguard lets you play with confidence and focus entirely on enjoying the game.
High Contact, Stick & Puck Sports:
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Football
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Ice Hockey and Field Hockey
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Lacrosse
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Wrestling
Mid-Low Contact Sports:
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Basketball (prone to accidental elbow-to-mouth hits)
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Soccer (protects against headers and tackles)
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Baseball and Softball (protects fielders and batters against high-speed line drives)
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Flag Football (elbow hits, accidental collisions)
Mouthguards Through All Levels of Play
From youth to professional levels, players wear mouthguards for practices, scrimmages, and competitions to reduce the risk of injury and can save you time and money in the long run. In high-impact sports like football and hockey, mouthguards are often a mandated piece of protective gear through the high school and collegiate levels.
However, the need for safety doesn't stop there. Many professional athletes choose to continue wearing mouthguards throughout their pro careers, favoring the long-term protection and peace of mind they provide when competing.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Choosing the right mouthguard starts with fit. A properly fitted mouthguard is more comfortable to wear, stays in place better during play, and helps athletes stay focused on the game. For parents of young athletes and players comparing options, it helps to narrow down fit first before selecting a style.
When deciding on fit and function, consider the athlete’s age, size, sport, and position. Mouthguards are often available in youth, adult/senior, and XL sizes, which can make it easier to find a more secure and comfortable fit.
Exploring Mouthguard Styles and Benefits
Once you’ve identified the right fit, the next step is choosing the mouthguard style that best supports your sport, comfort preferences, and level of protection.
Mouthguard Style | Best Sports & Positions | Airflow Details | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Fit | Ideal for high-impact sports where foundational, all-around performance is needed. | Can restrict breathing; clench-to-hold. | Traditional boil and bite models can restrict breathing as they require a clenched jaw to hold, whereas gel-lined versions can make breathing easier by staying in place when the mouth is open. |
| Slim Fit | Ideal for athletes who need to speak and communicate frequently during games. | Excellent; the ultra-slim design allows players to easily speak and breathe freely without a big or bulky feel. | Great for athletes like quarterbacks and basketball players. |
| Standard Lip Guard | Ideal for football lineman and other sports where athletes need to shield their lips from irritation and prevent the guard from sticking to brackets during an impact. | Restrictive, has a separate subcategory for specialized airflow. | Many models offer straps that attach directly to helmets. Can be good for braces, though the braces-specific model is recommended. |
| Airflow Lipguard | Ideal for tackle, flag, and 7v7 football. Great for high energy roles like running back or wide receiver. | Designed to maximize oxygen intake; these feature an extra large slot that allows the wearer to take in more airflow, delivering high levels of oxygen to muscles. | Features intentional oxygen intake via extra large specialized slots. |
| Braces Compatible | Ideal for football and other sports where athletes need to shield their lips from irritation. | Varies depending on style and fit. | An additional channel prevents the guard from sticking to brackets during an impact. |
Additional Styles
Flavored
Some athletes, especially younger players, prefer flavored mouthguards for a more comfortable wear experience. These come in options like popular fruity candies and flavored drinks.
Boil and Bite
These mouthguards are softened in hot water, then molded for a more personalized fit at home. This can be a good option for athletes who want a more secure feel without moving to a fully custom mouthguard.
Gel Fit
Featuring a soft gel interior, this style creates an exact, custom mold to your teeth for a highly secure and comfortable fit. The gel liner ensures your mouthguard stays comfortably in place through every play, and can offer sticking when talking.
When you are shopping, remember to look for products like a protective mouthguard case, and consider trusted brands like Shock Doctor that offer warranties on select products through the manufacturer for added peace of mind.
Here at SCHEELS, we know that the right protective gear makes all the difference. Our SCHEELS Experts are passionate about the sport and are right there with you, ready to help you find the perfect fit for your needs. Stop by your local store to chat with an Expert and find out more about mouthguards!