Properly Fitting Mouthguards are a must-have for contact sports, and a good fit is one of the most important factors.
Let us see the importance of a properly fitting mouthguard in sports
When it comes to contact sports and high-impact activities, mouthguards are an absolute necessity. They provide crucial protection for athletes, but there’s a catch: a poorly fitting mouthguard can spell trouble not only for performance but also for oral health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential issues that can arise from wearing a poorly fitting mouthguard, from injuries to discomfort, breathing and communication difficulties.
For a broader explanation of how fit, materials, and design influence protection, see our complete mouthguard guide to choosing the right mouthguard.
Injuries
First and foremost, the primary purpose of a mouthguard is to protect. A poorly fitting mouthguard simply won’t protect you as it should. To effectively shield against impacts, a mouthguard needs to securely stay in place. When it doesn’t, impacts to the face or head can move or even dislodge the mouthguard which can lead to dental injuries i.e broken, chipped or avulsed teeth (knocked out) and soft tissue damage i.e cuts and bruising to the cheeks, lips and tongue.
Discomfort
Imagine focusing on your game while trying to deal with the movement, discomfort and pain caused by your mouthguard. Poorly fitting mouthguards are often bulky and uncomfortable which can easily distract players enough to affect their performance and discourage them from wearing them.
Difficulty in breathing
For sportspeople engaged in high-intensity activities that demand a lot of energy and oxygen intake, breathing is non-negotiable. However, a mouthguard that doesn’t fit properly can move and interfere with that.
Difficulty in communicating
Communication is key in sports, whether it’s coordinating with teammates, receiving instructions from coaches, or signalling to umpires. A poorly fitting or bulky mouthguard can make it difficult to talk making it challenging for the wearer to convey instructions, or call play.
Psychological confidence on the field
Beyond the physical risks, a poorly fitting mouthguard can significantly impact an athlete’s mental game and overall confidence. When a player is constantly worrying about their mouthguard falling out or gagging on a bulky piece of plastic, their focus shifts away from the match. This distraction can lead to slower reaction times and missed opportunities. Conversely, a custom-feeling fit allows athletes to play aggressively and fearlessly. Knowing that their teeth and jaw are fully protected gives them the psychological edge needed to commit fully to every tackle, sprint, or defensive block without hesitation.
Long-term financial consequences
Furthermore, the long-term financial and physical consequences of dental trauma cannot be overstated. A single impact to a poorly protected mouth can result in thousands of dollars in emergency dental bills, root canals, crowns, or even dental implants. Unlike a broken bone that heals, a permanent tooth that is severely fractured requires lifelong maintenance and care. Attempting to save money by purchasing a generic, loose-fitting mouthguard is often a false economy. Investing in high-quality oral protection upfront acts as an essential insurance policy for your smile, preventing devastating injuries that could persist long after the final whistle.
Choosing the right mouthguard
To avoid the potential pitfalls associated with poorly fitting mouthguards, athletes should prioritise 3 main components – secure fit, comfort and protection.
The Importance of a Properly Fitting Mouthguard in Sports conclusion:
Wearing a mouthguard is an essential safeguard for athletes, but wearing one that doesn’t fit well can have serious consequences. It’s crucial to invest in a mouthguard like the Neomorph Mouthguard, that fits securely to minimise the risks of injuries, discomfort, interference with breathing and communication barriers. We spent a long time in designing Neomorph to tick all the important boxes so you don’t have to compromise on your performance or dental health.