How Should A Mouthguard Fit
A mouthguard is a protective dental appliance designed to reduce the risk of injury to the teeth, lips, gums, and jaw during sports. They are commonly recommended for contact and high-impact activities such as boxing, wrestling, MMA, soccer, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, and similar sports where collisions or falls may occur.
While wearing a mouthguard is an important first step, how the mouthguard fits plays a critical role in how well it protects your teeth and surrounding structures. So, how should a mouthguard fit for someone who wears it?
Understanding how a mouthguard should fit you is essential to ensure it provides appropriate protection. Remember these things when you’re getting your mouthguard.
Types of Mouthguards and Why Fit Matters
There are three main types of mouthguards available:
- Stock mouthguards, which come pre-formed and ready to wear
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards, also known as self-fit or mouth-adapted guards
- Custom-made mouthguards, which are professionally fitted
Stock mouthguards are the least expensive option but tend to fit poorly, often feeling bulky or loose. Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a better fit than stock options but still rely on how accurately they are moulded at home. Custom-made mouthguards are designed to fit the individual shape of your teeth and gums and generally provide the highest level of comfort and protection.
According to the research, mouthguards that fit poorly are less effective at absorbing impact and are more likely to be removed during play due to discomfort, increasing the risk of dental injury.
It Should Cover the Teeth and Gums Properly
A well-fitted mouthguard should sit snugly over the upper teeth without the need to clench or bite down to keep it in place. If you need to hold your jaw closed to stop the guard from moving, it is not fitting correctly.
Ideally, a mouthguard should:
- Fit closely against the upper teeth without shifting
- Cover most teeth, excluding the very back molars
- Extend slightly over the gum line to help protect tooth roots
- Avoid excessive extension onto the palate or deep under the lip
Mouthguards that don’t fit your teeth well may cause discomfort, which will lead to severe issues later on. Mouthguards that are too short may leave the gums and tooth roots vulnerable during impact, while overextended guards can cause irritation or discomfort. A proper fit balances coverage with comfort, protecting teeth and supporting tissues without interfering with normal function.
This brings us to the second consideration of how your mouthguard should fit: it should be comfortable.
It Should Be Comfortable to Wear
Comfort plays a major role in whether a mouthguard is worn consistently. A mouthguard should not feel bulky, sharp, or cause gagging. It should sit clear of the soft palate (the soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth) and allow natural jaw movement.
A correctly fitted mouthguard generally ends around the back molar region without extending too far into the mouth. If a mouthguard causes rubbing, mouth sores, or discomfort, it may discourage regular use and should be adjusted or replaced.
Consistent use is important, as athletes who find their mouthguard uncomfortable are more likely to remove it during training or competition, increasing the risk of dental injury.
It Should Allow You to Breathe and Speak Easily
A properly fitted mouthguard should allow normal breathing, speaking, and drinking. This is particularly important during high-intensity sports where oxygen intake and communication between players are essential.
An ill-fitting mouthguard can restrict airflow or interfere with speech, which may affect performance and safety. A good fit leaves adequate space inside the mouth, particularly behind the front teeth and along the inner surfaces of the molars, to allow normal tongue movement and airflow.
When Should You Wear a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard should be worn during:
- Games and competitions
- Training sessions and practice drills
- Any activity with a risk of falls, collisions, or contact
Mouthguards not only help protect teeth from external impact but also reduce the risk of soft tissue injuries caused by teeth biting into the lips or cheeks during sudden movements.
How to Take Care of Your Mouthguard
Proper care helps maintain hygiene, comfort, and effectiveness.
To care for your mouthguard:
- Rinse and gently brush it after each use
- Allow it to air-dry on a clean surface
- Store it in a ventilated, protective case
- Clean the storage case regularly
- Perform a deeper clean weekly using mild soap and water
Avoid using hot water, dishwashers, or harsh chemicals, as heat can distort the shape of the mouthguard and affect its fit.
Aside from regular daily maintenance, mouthguards should also be replaced when they show signs of wear, no longer fit comfortably, or become loose. Over time, chewing and impact can weaken the material, reducing its protective ability.
Protect Your Smile with the Right Mouthguard
Mouthguards play an essential role in protecting your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues during contact and high-impact sports. However, their effectiveness depends largely on how well they fit. A mouthguard that sits securely over the upper teeth, provides adequate gum coverage, feels comfortable, and allows normal breathing and speech is far more likely to be worn consistently and offer reliable protection.
While store-bought mouthguards may provide basic, short-term protection, a properly fitted mouthguard offers improved comfort and support as part of a preventive dentistry approach. Wearing an appropriate mouthguard during sport can help reduce the risk of dental injuries that may otherwise result in long-term oral health complications.
If you participate in contact or high-impact sports, or if you’re unsure whether your current mouthguard fits correctly, a professional dental assessment can help determine the most suitable option for your needs. Contact the team at Whitehorse Dental to discuss mouthguard options and ensure your smile is well protected both on and off the field.
Book an appointment to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight should a mouthguard fit?
A mouthguard should fit snugly over the upper teeth without the need to clench or bite down to keep it in place. It should stay secure during movement and not shift when you open your mouth.
Should a mouthguard cover my gums as well as my teeth?
Yes. A well-fitted mouthguard should extend slightly over the gum line to help protect the gums and tooth roots. However, it should not extend so far that it causes discomfort or irritation.
Is it normal for a mouthguard to feel uncomfortable at first?
A mouthguard should feel secure but not bulky, sharp, or painful. Mild awareness is normal initially, but ongoing discomfort, gagging, or mouth sores are signs that the fit may not be appropriate and should be reviewed.
Can a poorly fitted mouthguard affect breathing or speaking?
Yes. An ill-fitting mouthguard can restrict airflow or interfere with speech. A properly fitted mouthguard should allow you to breathe normally, speak clearly, and drink water without difficulty.
Do I need to wear a mouthguard during training, or only during games?
Mouthguards should be worn during both training and competition. Dental injuries can occur during practice drills as well as games, particularly in contact or high-impact sports.
How often should a mouthguard be replaced?
A mouthguard should be replaced if it becomes loose, uncomfortable, damaged, or shows signs of wear. Changes in teeth, such as dental treatment or growth in younger athletes, may also affect fit and require replacement.
How should I clean and store my mouthguard?
Mouthguards should be rinsed and gently brushed after each use, air-dried, and stored in a ventilated protective case. Avoid hot water and dishwashers, as heat can distort the shape and affect the fit.
Are custom-made mouthguards better than store-bought ones?
Custom-made mouthguards are designed to fit the individual shape of your teeth and gums, which generally improves comfort, retention, and protection. Store-bought options may provide short-term protection but often fit less securely.
How can I tell if my mouthguard still fits properly?
If your mouthguard feels loose, shifts easily, causes discomfort, or interferes with breathing or speaking, it may no longer fit correctly. A dental assessment can help determine whether adjustment or replacement is needed.
