If you're just starting out in hockey, your coach will quickly tell you to buy a mouthguard. But why?
In this article, you will learn about the functions of a hockey mouthguard, what to look for when buying one, and how to mold it to your teeth.
Why is a mouthguard necessary in hockey?
Mouthguards drastically reduce the risk of tooth damage and injuries to your lips and tongue.
The shock-absorbing material evenly distributes the impact of hard hits from the stick, the ball or a hard fall across your teeth and jaw, reducing the impact.
In addition, mouthguards cover your teeth, creating a protective layer between them and your lips, tongue, and cheeks. This significantly reduces the risk of cuts and other injuries.
If you play hockey without a mouthguard you are more likely to:
- A cut on your lips or cheeks
- Broken teeth
- Damage to your fillings or tooth enamel
- Bruises or fractures in your jaw
It is therefore important that you always wear a mouthguard when playing hockey to prevent accidents.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a mouthguard for hockey?
First of all, it's important to know that all the mouthguards we sell are suitable for hockey. Most people fail to properly consider the age group of the mouthguard they order.
Mouthguards for hockey come in two sizes:
- Children's mouthguards: These are suitable for children up to 11 years old.
- Adult mouthguards: These are suitable for ages 11 and up
Looking for a children's mouthguard? Click here to view mouthguards for children .
Do you need an adult mouthguard? Click here to view all adult mouthguards .
Feel free to choose any mouthguard you like. All mouthguards we sell meet safety standards and are suitable for hockey.
How do you shape a bit so that it fits perfectly?
You can't use a hockey mouthguard straight out of the box. You first need to mold it to your teeth. When you buy a mouthguard, you'll always receive instructions to help you mold it. Always follow the instructions carefully, including the steps for your specific mouthguard.
The general steps are as follows:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Pour the water into a glass/mug and wait 20-30 seconds before the next step.
- Your mouthguard can now soak in water. How long this takes depends on the make and model of your mouthguard. Therefore, always read the instructions carefully before following this step.
- Carefully remove your bit from the water with a fork (be careful, this is hot) and let it cool for a moment.
- Place the tray in your mouth and press it against your teeth with your fingers. If the tray is still too hot, remove it immediately to avoid burns.
- Bite down on your mouthguard while simultaneously applying vacuum to it, ensuring it fits snugly around your teeth. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
- Remove the tray from your mouth and cool it in cold water for 20-30 minutes.
If the mouthguard doesn't fit properly, you can repeat the steps until it does. Be sure to keep hot water away from children and follow these steps carefully to prevent accidents.
Do you need a bit or is your old one due for replacement?
View all our hockey mouthguards here.