Best Mouthguards for Sports (2024)

If you’re into contact sports like football, basketball, or mixed martial arts, a mouthguard can be your personal MVP and dental bodyguard in one.

It cushions your teeth, making them less likely to loosen or break when hit. It also keeps your jaw stable so it doesn’t easily get dislocated or fractured.

A mouthguard also absorbs and redistributes shock while worn. It reduces the force dealt to your teeth and jaw, lowering your risk for head injuries.

To help you pick the best mouthguard for your smile, NewMouth’s dental experts have evaluated the top brands based on their comfort, protection, fit, and materials. We also researched user reviews on each brand.

5 Best Sports Mouthguards of 2024

We recommend choosing a mouthguard that perfectly fits your mouth. It must be made with FDA-approved materials to ensure your safety.

Other qualities to look for in a sports mouthguard include:

• High-impact energy absorption
• Securely stays in place while playing
• Comfortable even after hours of wearing
• Must be easy to clean

Shock Doctor Pro Mouth Guard

Best Overall (Editor’s Pick)

Shock Doctor Pro Mouth Guard is a boil-and-bite option that provides essential protection and a comfortable fit. It’s a practical choice for athletes who want a balance of performance and value.

Why We Like It

• Suitable for all contact sports
• Multilayer design for better shock absorption
• Compatible with braces
• Easy to mold by boiling

What We Don’t Like

• Only comes in two sizes
• Doesn’t come with a case
• Too big for some people

Sporting Smiles Custom Clear Sports Mouth Guard

Best for Limited Contact Sports

Sporting Smiles Clear Mouth Guard is a cost-effective alternative to what you would typically get from a dentist. Measuring 3 mm in thickness, this custom-made mouthguard is comfortable and ideal for athletes who are into moderate-contact sports like basketball, baseball, and volleyball.

Why We Like It

• Molded to the shape of your teeth
• Made in the same labs as dental mouthguards
• At-home impression kit is delivered to you
• Free impression kit if you make a mistake
• Impression records are kept for future orders

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for direct and hard-impact sports
• Charges $15 for impression kits after the first replacement
• Getting your own impression can be difficult

Impact Mouthguard

Best for Full Contact Sports

Impact Mouthguards provide superior protection for athletes who engage in high-impact contact sports. Thanks to their shock-absorbing design, 6 to 7 mm thickness, and customized fit, they can effectively shield teeth and jaws while staying comfortable.

Why We Like It

• Ideal for combat sports like MMA and boxing
• Customized to fit your teeth and gums perfectly
• Breathable design that allows oxygen flow
• The company covers adjustment costs
• At-home impression kit is delivered to you
• Accepts molds taken by your dentist

What We Don’t Like

• Least affordable option
• Charges an extra $30 for your lower teeth
• Getting impressions can be difficult without professional help

AITUSI Kids Youth Mouth Guard for Sports

Best for Kid Athletes

AITUSI Kids Youth Mouth Guard is specifically designed for children athletes under 10 and between the ages of 10 and 15. It provides reliable protection by combining a durable dual-layer design with a comfortable fit.

Why We Like It

• Feels light and comfortable in the mouth
• Specifically made for young kids
• High-impact exterior with a soft interior
• Includes a plastic carrying case

What We Don’t Like

• Incompatible with braces
• May need to trim ends for a better fit

Shock Doctor Double Braces Mouthguard

Best for Braces

Shock Doctor’s Double Braces Mouthguard provides a comfortable and secure fit for athletes with braces. It even includes $35,000 worth of coverage for any dental injury you might sustain while wearing one.

Why We Like It

• Specifically designed for people with braces
• Protects the upper and lower teeth   
• Made with medical-grade silicone
• Has strapless and strapped designs

What We Don’t Like

• Ready-made (you can’t trim or boil for a better fit)
• Some children may find them too bulky
• May require an adjustment period

Choosing The Right Type of Sports Mouthguard

There are three types of mouthguards for sports:

1. Custom Mouthguards

Custom-made mouthguards are made in a dental office or lab. This is the best option for your mouth, but it’s also the most expensive.

To make the mouthguard, a dentist takes impressions of your teeth. This allows the mouthguard to fit perfectly in your mouth.

2. Boil-and-bite Mouthguards

A boil-and-bite mouthguard is self-adapting. You make it yourself by placing it in hot water to become more pliable. 

The mouthguard will adapt to your teeth from bite pressure and the manipulation of your tongue, fingers, and lips. 

Make sure to let it cool before placing it in your mouth.

3. Ready-made Mouthguard

A stock mouthguard is the easiest to buy. Most sporting goods stores sell them. However, they usually carry a limited range of sizes.

Ready-made mouthguards are also less comfortable and less effective because of their generic design, which may not fit your teeth and gums.

We suggest picking a mouthguard that fits your needs. However, you should still consult a dentist before using any dental product.