Are You Protected? How To Make Sure Your Mouthguard Fits
- alisonpitt
- Apr 13, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 5
Knowing how to make sure your mouthguard fits properly is essential for effective protection in sport. A poorly fitting mouthguard can be uncomfortable, distracting, and less effective at preventing injury. This guide explains how to check mouthguard fit, covering comfort, speech, breathing, and protection, so athletes, parents, schools, and clubs can ensure players are properly protected.
Mouthguards are likely a mandatory part of your kit, regardless of what sport you play and at what level. The purpose of your mouthguard is to protect you from costly injuries, just as it is with your helmet or shin pads. How do you ensure that your mouthguard is providing you with the protection you need? Make sure the fit is right.
When it comes to effective protection, achieving a proper mouthguard fit is essential, as poor fit can reduce comfort and increase injury risk.
These simple mouthguard fitting tips can help you check whether your gumshield is providing the protection you need.
Ensure Your Mouthguard Is Gag-Free
A mouthguard that causes gagging does not fit correctly. A common misconception is that a mouthguard must cover all upper teeth. In reality, it should avoid the soft palate at the back of the mouth and end around the second molar to prevent discomfort.
A properly trimmed mouthguard improves comfort without reducing protection and allows easier opening and closing of the mouth.
Avoid Biting or Clenching to Hold It in Place
A correctly fitted mouthguard should stay securely in place without the need to bite or clench. If it shifts, falls out, or needs constant adjustment, it is unlikely to provide reliable protection during play.
Make Sure You Can Speak and Breathe Clearly
A well-fitted mouthguard should not interfere with speech or breathing. Excess material behind the front teeth or inside the molars can restrict airflow and make communication difficult.
Check for Root and Gum Protection
An effective mouthguard should cover part of the gums to help protect tooth roots from impact, without extending unnecessarily across the upper jaw.
How to Make Sure Your Mouthguard Fits Comfortably
If a mouthguard feels uncomfortable, achieving a comfortable mouthguard fit becomes unlikely, reducing how consistently it is worn and how effective it is at protecting teeth.
A properly fitted mouthguard should feel secure, comfortable, and easy to wear throughout training and competition. When fit, comfort, and protection work together, players are far more likely to wear their mouthguard consistently helping to reduce the risk of dental injuries and ensure effective protection in contact sport.
Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent dental injuries in sport, particularly in contact and collision activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a mouthguard fit properly?
A mouthguard should fit snugly over the upper teeth, stay in place without biting, and allow clear breathing and speech.
Why does my mouthguard make me gag?
Gagging often occurs when a mouthguard extends too far back and touches the soft palate, indicating it needs trimming or refitting.
Should I be able to talk while wearing a mouthguard?
Yes. A properly fitted mouthguard should not significantly interfere with speech or breathing.
Can a mouthguard be remoulded if it doesn’t fit?
Many boil-and-bite mouthguards can be remoulded or adjusted if the fit is not correct.
A properly fitted mouthguard is more comfortable, easier to wear, and far more effective at protecting teeth during sport.
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