Perfect Fit = Better Protection: How to Get a Gumshield Right First Time
- alisonpitt
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
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 Fit Matters
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.
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 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: Why This Matters Now
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.
1. Why is the gumshield fit so important for pupils in school sports?
A gumshield only protects teeth and gums if it fits properly. A well-fitted mouthguard for schools stays securely in place during contact, reducing the risk of dental injuries in sports like rugby and hockey. Poorly fitted gumshields can move, fall out, or offer limited protection.
2. How often should schools check or replace pupils’ gumshields?
Schools should check pupils’ gumshields at least once a term. Children grow quickly, and changes such as adult teeth coming through can affect fit. What fitted at the start of the school year may no longer provide proper protection halfway through the season.
3. Are boil-and-bite mouthguards suitable for school use?
Yes. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a practical and affordable option for schools and clubs. When fitted correctly, they provide a custom-fit mouthguard feel without the cost of a dentist-made guard, making them ideal for PE lessons and school rugby.
4. 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. In these cases, the sports mouthguard should be remoulded or replaced to ensure pupils remain protected during contact sports.
5. Who is responsible for ensuring gumshields fit properly in schools?
While pupils and parents play a role, schools and clubs are encouraged to promote correct fitting and regular checks. Providing access to a gumshield fitting guide or mouthguard fitting video helps ensure gumshields for schools are worn correctly and offer the intended level of protection.
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