Gumshield Fitting Guide: How to Get the Perfect Fit First Time
- alisonpitt
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 13
Halfway through the term is often when the season really begins. The days are getting a little longer, the ground’s softening up, and fixtures are coming in thick and fast. This is exactly the moment when a properly fitted gumshield can make the difference between a safe match and a sidelined player.
The truth is simple: no matter how good a sports mouthguard is, it only works if it fits properly. A loose or poorly moulded gumshield won’t stay in place and if it isn’t in place, it can’t protect teeth and gums when impact hits.
Why Gumshield Fit Matters in School Sports
A gumshield is more than just a bit of kit. It’s a vital protective mouthguard, a safety barrier between a child’s smile and an unexpected tackle.
A good fit means better protection
It stays securely in place during intense play
It makes talking, breathing, and focusing easier
When players feel comfortable wearing their mouth guard, they stop fiddling with it and start playing their best game.
Gumshield Fitting Guide – How to Get It Right First Time
Boil-and-bite gumshields offer a custom-fit mouthguard without the cost of a dentist-made option, making them ideal for schools, clubs, and grassroots sport.
But the moulding process matters.
That’s why following a clear gumshield fitting guide is essential for schools and clubs that want consistent protection across the season.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, step-by-step gumshield fitting guide and video to make fitting quick, stress-free, and easy to get right the first time.
A few key tips:
Use water that’s hot enough to soften the gumshield, but not melt it
Have a towel ready so players can mould straight away
Press gently but firmly with tongue and fingers to shape the fit
Let it set fully before first wear
When done correctly, the result is a comfortable mouthguard that fits like a glove — secure, supportive, and match-ready.
Schools & Clubs: When to Check Gumshield Fit
February is the ideal time for schools and clubs to check every player’s fit. After winter, many children will have grown or lost teeth. What fitted perfectly in September may no longer offer the right level of protection now.
Remoulding or replacing ill-fitting gumshields ensures rugby mouthguards and mouthguards for schools actually do their job when contact fixtures resume, protecting players when it matters most and supports wider gumshield compliance for schools and clubs.
FAQs: Getting the Fit Right First Time
Why is gumshield fit so important for school and club sports?
A gumshield only protects teeth and gums if it fits properly. A well-fitted mouthguard stays securely in place during contact, helping to absorb impact and reduce the risk of dental injuries in sports such as rugby, hockey, and PE lessons. Poorly fitted gumshields can move, fall out, or be removed during play, leaving young players unprotected.
How often should schools and clubs check or replace players’ gumshields?
Schools and clubs should check gumshields at least once per term. Children grow quickly, lose baby teeth, or gain adult teeth, all of which can affect fit. A gumshield that fitted well at the start of the season may no longer provide proper protection mid-term, especially during contact sports.
Are boil-and-bite mouthguards suitable for school and club use?
Yes. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a practical and affordable solution for schools and clubs. When moulded correctly, they provide a secure, custom-style fit without the cost of dentist-made options, making them ideal for PE lessons, school rugby, and grassroots sport.
What are the signs a gumshield doesn’t fit properly?
A gumshield may not fit correctly if it feels loose, needs biting to stay in place, makes breathing or talking difficult, or causes discomfort. If this happens, the mouthguard should be remoulded or replaced to ensure it stays in position and offers the intended level of protection during play.
Who is responsible for ensuring gumshields fit properly in schools and clubs?
While parents and players have a role, schools and clubs share responsibility for promoting safe use. Encouraging correct fitting, running occasional fit checks, and sharing a gumshield fitting guide helps demonstrate duty of care and supports wider safety and compliance expectations in school and club sport.
Get the perfect fit first time.
Explore UKCA & CE-certified boil-and-bite gumshields with a clear fitting guide for schools and clubs.
Comments