Sports mouthguard guide
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- Boil-and-bite sports mouthguard. Best for: Most youth and adult athletes. See options on Amazon
- Mouthguard for braces. Best for: Athletes with braces. See options on Amazon
- Vented mouthguard case. Best for: Storage between games. See options on Amazon
Three types of mouthguards
| Type | Upside | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| Custom (dentist made) | Accurate fit, comfortable | May need several dental visits |
| Boil-and-bite (mouth-formed) | Sold in stores; may fit better than stock | Can wear down; may not last a whole season |
| Stock (ready to wear) | Fits easily over braces | Often poor fit; can be bulky and hard to breathe or talk in |
Summarized from the NFHS mouthguard position statement and the ADA's MouthHealthy page.
Which sports need one
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) mandates mouthguards in football, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling for athletes who wear braces. Beyond those, its sports medicine committee suggests athletes consider a properly fitted mouthguard for any sport with a risk of mouth or face injury from contact with another player or with a stick, bat or ball.
The ADA adds that collision and contact sports carry the most risk, but athletes in non-contact activities such as gymnastics and skating can be injured too. Its view is that a mouthguard should be part of standard athletic gear from an early age. Youth leagues set their own rules, so check with your coach.
What a good fit looks like
The NFHS says a properly fitted mouthguard should:
- separate the biting surfaces of the teeth
- protect the lips, gums and teeth
- fully cover all the upper teeth
If the lower teeth stick out farther than the upper teeth, a guard over the lower teeth may be preferred. The NFHS also says not to alter a mouthguard in any way that reduces protection, and that a properly fitted, unaltered guard has not been shown to interfere with talking or breathing.
For a boil-and-bite guard, the ADA says to follow the maker's instructions for softening and shaping it.
Braces and dental work
The ADA says a properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people with braces or fixed bridge work, since a blow to the face could damage brackets, and the guard keeps braces from cutting the lips and cheeks. Ask your dentist or orthodontist which guard to use; they may suggest one for the lower teeth too if those have braces. The NFHS notes stock guards fit easily over braces. Do not wear a retainer or other removable appliance during contact sports, the ADA says.
Care and replacement
- Rinse before and after each use, or brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Wash it regularly in cool, soapy water and rinse well.
- Store it in a sturdy, vented case so it can dry.
- Keep it from heat. Never leave it in the sun or in hot water.
- Bring it to checkups so your dentist can evaluate it.
- Replace it right away if it is worn, damaged or no longer fits. Children and teens may need new ones more often because their mouths are still growing.
- Keep it from pets, who may treat it as a chew toy.
Choosing for your athlete
Start with the league rule, then pick a type. For a young player whose teeth are still changing, a store-bought guard that is replaced as they grow is a practical start, and the ADA says any properly worn guard beats none. Athletes in high-contact sports, or with braces or dental work, should talk to a dentist about a custom guard. Whatever you buy, check it against the NFHS fit points above.
For the rest of the gear, see our football helmet guide and lacrosse helmet guide. If you grind your teeth at night, see our separate night guard guide.
What to look for when you buy
Boil-and-bite sports mouthguard
Best for: Most youth and adult athletes
The ADA says boil-and-bite guards may fit better than stock ones.
Watch out: Follow the softening instructions; replace when worn.
See options on AmazonMouthguard for braces
Best for: Athletes with braces
The ADA says a fitted guard is especially important with braces; ask your orthodontist.
Watch out: Ask your dentist or orthodontist which type to use.
See options on AmazonVented mouthguard case
Best for: Storage between games
The ADA suggests a sturdy, vented case so the guard can dry.
Watch out: Keep the case out of the sun and away from pets.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Which sports require a mouthguard?
- In high school, the NFHS mandates them in football, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse and wrestling for athletes with braces.
- Is a boil-and-bite mouthguard good enough?
- The ADA says custom is best, but a store guard is still worth wearing if a custom one is not an option.
- Do mouthguards prevent concussions?
- The NFHS says research does not support that mouthguards reduce concussion risk or severity.
- How often should I replace a mouthguard?
- When it is worn, damaged or loose; kids and teens may need new ones more often.
- Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?
- Yes, and the ADA says it may be especially important; ask your orthodontist which type.
- Should a mouthguard cover the top or bottom teeth?
- The top teeth in most cases; the NFHS says a lower guard may be preferred if the lower teeth stick out farther than the upper teeth.
Sources
- Mouthguards (mouthhealthy.org), American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Position Statement and Recommendations for Mouthguard Use in Sports (assets.nfhs.org), National Federation of State High School Associations
- Athletic Mouth Protectors (Mouthguards) (ada.org), American Dental Association