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A bit Or mouthguard, also called a "mouthguard," protects your mouth and teeth from injury during a football game. When you play or train as a team, that kind of protection is necessary.
As a protective part of your football gear, the right mouthguard can have a lifelong impact. We all know that "permanent" teeth aren't really forever.
Dental repairs can of course ensure that your teeth look good again after an accident, but you prefer to simply avoid such an intervention. That's why you protect your teeth during the game with a mouthguard.
Due to the huge range of mouthguards on the current market, it is not always easy to choose the best one.
You have bits in various shapes, materials and sizes, and it can sometimes be difficult to find the perfect one that both fits well and protects well.
With that in mind, I've put together a top six for you to help you choose appropriate protective gear.
Before I show you the best products, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite. That is the Shock Doctor Max Airflow Lip Guard. This mouthguard protects both your teeth and lips and has excellent breathability. In addition, the product is relatively cheap and suitable for different positions and all ages. Last but not least: it is very comfortable, so you almost forget you're wearing it.
In the table below you will find my top 6 mouthguards, and later in the article I discuss the details of each mouthguard.
| Best mouthguards / mouthguards for American Football | Image |
|---|---|
| Best mouthguard overall: Shock Doctor Max Airflow Lip Guard | 
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| Best Convertible Mouthguard: Battle Oxygen Lip Protector | 
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| Best mouthguard for young players: Vettex Youth | 
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| Best price-quality mouthguard: Under Armor Mouthwear ArmorFit | 
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| Best mouthguard for braces: Shock Doctor Double Braces | 
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| Best mouthguard with flavor: Shock Doctor Adult Gel Nano Flavor Fusion | 
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What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 What should you pay attention to when buying an AF mouthguard?
- 2 Comprehensive review of the best mouthguards for American Football
- 2.1 Best Mouthguard Overall: Shock Doctor Max Airflow Lip Guard
- 2.2 Best Convertible Mouthguard: Battle Oxygen Lip Protector
- 2.3 Best Mouthguard for Young Players: Vettex Youth
- 2.4 Best Value Mouthguard: Under Armor Mouthwear ArmourFit
- 2.5 Best Mouthguard for Braces: Shock Doctor Double Braces
- 2.6 Best Flavored Mouthguard: Shock Doctor Adult Gel Nano Flavor Fusion
- 3 Advantages of mouthguards
- 4 Are there any drawbacks to a mouthguard?
- 5 American Football mouthguards Q&A
What should you pay attention to when buying an AF mouthguard?
Finding out what the best mouthguard is for you and how much money you want to spend on it can be difficult at first.
There are several things to consider before purchasing a mouthguard.
Armed with the essential information in this buying guide, you will be able to pick out the best mouthguard that will protect you from injury.
When choosing a mouthguard for American football, keep the following in mind:
Go for quality
My main advice is not to worry too much about the price, especially if you consider the cost of a dentist to fix dental problems.
Pick a mouthguard that you will definitely wear to avoid accidents on the playing field as much as possible.
The primary purpose of a mouthguard is, of course, to protect the teeth from injury and impact. A good mouthguard can provide maximum protection.
All of the mouthguards I mention in this article provide effective protection against injuries you can sustain during American football.
Comfort
In the search for a mouthguard for American Football, it is important to find a product that fits well: that is comfortable for your mouth and the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
A good mouthguard should provide adequate comfort and fit well in the mouth. In addition, you should still be able to breathe, drink and talk without any problems.
If it's not comfortable or hurts, you won't wear it, and of course that's not the intention. There are different materials, such as gels and flexible plastics, that can mold to your teeth for a perfect fit.
Some mouthguards, such as those with lip protection, make talking a bit more difficult, but do offer extra protection.
Fit
Only when you have the right fit can you achieve complete comfort and complete protection.
A well-fitting mouthguard will stay in place even if you get tackled or bring someone to the ground yourself.
dental braces
Do you have braces? then you have to take this extra into account when buying a mouthguard, as mentioned before.
There are mouthguards that are specially designed for athletes with braces.
With or without belt
Another important consideration to make is the strap.
Do you want a bit that you can attach to you by means of a strap facemask (these are the best facemasks) can confirm? This can be ideal for players who often lose their mouthguard.
In addition, the referees can immediately see that you are wearing one.
There are competitions where mouthguards that do not have an attachment are not allowed. You can lose loose bits quickly, but there are athletes who find a strap annoying and therefore prefer to go for a loose bit.
Fortunately, there are also bits that can be worn separately or with an attachment (convertible)
Whether you choose a mouthguard with or without a strap depends on your personal preference and perhaps the rules of the competition your team participates in.
With or without lip protection
Nowadays there are mouthguards that – in addition to the teeth – also protect the outside of the mouth and lips.
The great thing about these types of mouthguards is that you can get them with cool prints, for example angry teeth that will intimidate your opponents.
Football is a high-impact sport. You should therefore ensure that you are as well protected as possible with (among other things) a good mouthguard.
There are bits that are provided with lip protection, so that you also immediately prevent injury to the lips during training or playing.
These mouthguards have a contoured shape and a shell-shaped shield that covers the outside of your mouth (similar to a teat).
What position do you play?
If you have a role in the field that requires a lot of communication, make sure to get a mouthguard that fits snugly so you can speak, breathe and drink with ease.
In case all-round protection is most important to you, get a mouthguard that doubles as a lip protector. However, they do hinder speaking because your mouth is completely covered.
With or without flavor
You can now even buy flavored mouthguards that counteract the taste of rubber.
So if you really find that rubber taste unpleasant – and therefore perhaps avoid a mouthguard – then such a mouthguard could be a solution.
Pre-formed or mold yourself
As mentioned earlier, there are bits that you have to dip in hot water and then bite into to get the right, personal shape.
These bits are often cheap, but otherwise provide excellent protection.
There are also brands that offer bits made of instant-fit material, where the material adapts to the shape of your bite.
Looking for a bit for hockey? I've listed the best mouthguards for hockey here for you
Comprehensive review of the best mouthguards for American Football
You should now know exactly what to look for when choosing your next mouthguard.
Now you are probably wondering which are the best mouthguards on the market. I will discuss each of them in detail below.
Best Mouthguard Overall: Shock Doctor Max Airflow Lip Guard
- Suitable for different positions
- Protects mouth, lips and teeth
- You can easily drink and talk with the mouthguard in
- Available in different colors and sizes
- Suitable for athletes of all ages
- Good breathability
My top pick is the Shock Doctor Max Airflow Mouthguard. This mouthguard is relatively cheap, safe and easy to use.
Furthermore, it is very handy that this mouthguard can be used by any type of player, including linebackers and quarterbacks, making it a very versatile product.
It is also suitable for all ages, including children.
It's not specifically designed for football athletes, by the way; the mouthguard can also be used for various other sports.
The mouthguard will not only protect the teeth, but also the mouth and lips. You can breathe well through the mouthguard, so even if you have your teeth together, you can still breathe well.
The athletes who use this mouthguard indicate that not only does it provide great protection for their teeth and is very comfortable, but the lip protection is one of the main reasons why they would go for this mouthguard again and again.
Finally, the protector is available in different colors.
The only disadvantage of this mouthguard is that you don't get a box with it to store your mouthguard.
Best Convertible Mouthguard: Battle Oxygen Lip Protector
- Comfortable
- Good protection
- Suitable for braces
- Protects mouth, lips and teeth
- Excellent airflow / maximum breathability
- Unlimited Warranty
- With convertible strap
- One size fits all
A great mouthguard that can be worn with or without attachment. It sits well in the mouth and ensures a perfect fit.
The mouthpiece is also suitable for athletes with braces and forms an excellent protection for the lips, mouth and teeth.
The Battle Oxygen mouthguard provides excellent airflow and better performance. Because you get more oxygen, the muscles will also recover faster, you can think clearly and react quickly during the game.
It also prevents fatigue due to oxygen deficiency on the field. This mouthguard will give you confidence and peace of mind on the gridiron so you can focus on your task.
The mouthguard features a large opening for breathing through, so it is perfect for those who have difficulty breathing when wearing a mouthguard with a traditional design.
The mouthguard also has an unlimited warranty.
One drawback could be that since the mouthpiece is made of soft rubber, it may not last very long if chewed a lot. So take that into account if necessary.
If we compare this mouthguard to that of the Shock Doctor, it is a lot cheaper. However, both have received nearly thousands of positive reviews and they both come with lip protection.
The Shock Doctor, on the other hand, does not have a strap, so you would not be able to attach it to your helmet. So it just depends on what you find useful.
Do you often lose your mouthguard? Then you better go for one with a strap, such as the one from Battle Oxygen Lip Protector Football Mouthguard.
Do you find a belt annoying? Then choose one without, such as the Shock Doctor. And would you like one that can be worn with or without a belt? Then the Battle is again a better choice.
Best Mouthguard for Young Players: Vettex Youth
- Protects mouth, lips and teeth
- Specially made for children, youth and young players
- It has good breathing channels
- Provides excellent airflow, in and out of the mouth
- Resistant to teeth grinding and chewing
- with strap
The young players have also been thought of! This mouthguard is specially designed for athletes between the ages of 8 and 16.
The Vettex Youth Football Mouthguard is designed for young players who care about their mouths and teeth. In the case of a young adult, there is also the ('normal') Vettex mouthguard.
The bit has an adjustable strap with which you can attach it to your helmet.
The strap also makes it easier for players to take their mouthguard off in between with their gloves .
The mouthguard offers excellent protection, especially for players who play positions where they have to take blows throughout the match
Made from the same pliable, thermal rubber as the adult version, this product hugs your teeth perfectly, especially after you've used it for a while.
One of the reasons why this mouthguard is so popular is that the material is sturdy, but at the same time soft that children cannot chew it like other mouthguards.
As in the case of the adult version, some players have reported that it is difficult to talk to this protector. This can be a disadvantage for some athletes.
The Vettex mouthguard is about the same price as the Shock Doctor. Both have received mostly positive reviews, however the Shock Doctor has a lot more and seems to be a bit more popular.
The Vettex has a strap, the Shock Doctor, on the other hand, does not. Both have lip protection.
The Battle mouthpiece is a lot cheaper than these two, also has lip protection and is also convertible (so can be worn with or without a strap).
In addition, with the latter you have a large choice of colors, with even cheaper options.
Best Value Mouthguard: Under Armor Mouthwear ArmourFit
- Football + other contact sports
- Custom and comfortable fit
- Chew resistant
- Available in youth and adult sizes
- Available in five colors
This mouthguard has been developed for football and other contact sports. The ArmourFit technology ensures a fit like at the dentist; the material of this mouthguard adapts to your teeth.
It fits comfortably and won't put pressure on your teeth or skin. The mouthguard sits close to the skin, so your lips don't swell during use.
Besides just making it feel more comfortable, it also reduces the chance of your lips getting injured while playing.
The Mouthguard II is chew-resistant and allows you to talk and breathe easily. In addition, you can choose from different colors, so that you can have the mouthguard completely match your style.
You can choose to put the mouthguard in boiling water for a while; the material then becomes soft, so that you can adapt it even better to your dental shape.
Under Armor is not only popular, it is also a reliable brand. This is the perfect mouthguard if your lips are not bulging and are looking for one that fits perfectly in the mouth.
It provides good protection to the teeth and will last a long time. Last but not least: this mouthguard costs less than a tenner!
The disadvantages may be that the mouthguard does not offer lip protection and that you do not get a strap with it. However, the fact that this mouthguard doesn't have a strap shouldn't be a reason not to get it.
Because it fits well in the mouth, it will not fall out of your mouth quickly.
However, if it is essential for you to have a mouthguard with a strap and/or lip protection, then it is better to go for another, such as the Battle mouthguard.
Best Mouthguard for Braces: Shock Doctor Double Braces
- Suitable for athletes with braces on upper and lower teeth
- For every age
- 100% medical grade silicone
- Latex Free, BPA Free, Phthalate Free
- Available with or without a strap
- Chew resistant
The Shock Doctor Double Braces mouthguard is intended for athletes who wear braces on both the upper and lower teeth and who are looking for extra protection.
The mouthguard helps to keep the brace in place and is comfortable to use. The mouthguard adapts smoothly to changes in the position of the teeth when the braces are adjusted by the dentist.
In addition, the mouthguard is suitable for athletes of all ages, from children to adults. The great thing about this mouthguard is that you can decide for yourself whether you take it with a strap or rather without it.
This mouthguard is made of 100% medical grade silicone. It provides protection without rough edges or materials that can cause irritation.
Thanks to the silicone material and the integrated ventilation channels in the middle, this protector offers the greatest comfort.
While this mouthguard may be bulky or bulky for some, it is highly durable and has a snug fit, preventing unwanted cuts to the inside of the wearer's mouth.
Another notable aspect that makes this product so popular is that it does not require cooking before it can be molded. When used, the mouthguard adapts to the shape of your mouth and braces.
The Shock Doctor Double Braces mouthguard is resistant to chewing. So if you're chewing through a range of mouthguards in a short period of time, this might be the mouthguard you need, even if you don't have braces.
Another point that users report is that it does not push the lips out, unlike some other mouthguards.
Disadvantages of this mouthguard are that it offers no protection for the lips and it comes without a box. If you have braces, this is the perfect mouthguard.
However, if you are looking for one with lip protection, it is better to go for, for example, the Battle mouthguard or the Shock Doctor.
Is a simple mouthguard sufficient or should it cost as little as possible? Then consider the one from Under Armour.
Best Flavored Mouthguard: Shock Doctor Adult Gel Nano Flavor Fusion
- with taste
- Convertible (with and without strap)
- For all ages
- Gel-fit liner technology
- Has a large breathing hole that allows air to flow well
- Professional dental protection for teeth and jaws
- Sustainability
- Easy to mold (boil and bite)
- Suitable for all contact sports
- Comfortable
- Features a patented shock frame
- Different colors and sizes
Do you dislike the rubber taste of some mouthguards and are you looking for an alternative? Search no further; the Shock Doctor Gel Nano has a flavor that you choose yourself.
The taste should last a whole season. Along with a lot of other athletes, I'm a big fan of this mouthguard.
It is designed with a heavy rubber Shock Frame and Gel-Fit Liner to provide maximum protection, fit and comfort.
Even with the hardest impacts. The mouthguard is convertible and can be used with or without a strap. It is suitable for athletes of different ages and has an easy boil and bite fit.
This mouthpiece protects your jaw and teeth from all sides and is designed for all contact sports where a mouthguard is recommended, such as football, wrestling, boxing and more.
Also read: Best boxing bandages | The right support for your hands and wrists
The colors you can choose from are blue and black. The slim design does not push the lips out
The mouthguard features a triple layer that offers incredible protection, but also comfort at the same time.
Thanks to the gel, you can easily place the mouthguard around your teeth and gums, and the integrated breathing channels allow you to always breathe and perform well.
What really sets this mouthguard apart from the rest? Besides the taste, it offers protection for both the upper and lower teeth thanks to the use of the patented Shock Frame.
You get a perfect, personalized fit. Furthermore, the product is lightweight, so that after a while you even forget that you have it in your mouth.
If you like to be protected from all sides and are looking for a mouthguard that is comfortable, protects well and also has a great taste, then this is the perfect choice. You can get it in different colors and sizes.
However, this mouth guard is not suitable for athletes with braces! It is also a bit difficult to clean and you do not get a box with it.
The mouthguard also has no strap. Some athletes have reported having trouble molding the mouthguard at first, but after a few tries, it should work.
The mouthguard doesn't have lip protection, so if that's your thing and requirement, you should ideally go for the Battle Oxygen Lip Protector Football Mouthguard or the Shock Doctor Max Airflow Mouth Guard.
The mouthguard is made in such a way that you can continue to breathe well and you must also be able to talk and drink during use.
Advantages of mouthguards
Whether it's a training session, an organized activity, or an actual competition, a mouthguard should be worn if there is a risk of being hit in the mouth or on the jaw.
The ideal mouthguard is durable, resilient and comfortable. It should fit well, be easy to clean and should not affect your ability to breathe.
Dividing the force of a blow
Mouthguards act like a cushion to more evenly distribute the force of each impact. The guard will form a barrier between your teeth and the soft tissue in and around your mouth.
Protect against mouth and tooth injuries
A single blow to your mouth or jaw can cause serious tooth damage.
This is not only painful, but also expensive to treat. Mouthguards protect the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth, and of course the teeth.
They will also protect against serious injuries including jaw fracture, brain haemorrhage, concussion and neck injury.
To protect your braces
Do you have braces? Then a mouthguard can also come in very handy.
If you get a blow to your mouth, it can damage the braces and can cause cuts and tears in the mouth.
In most cases, mouthguards are only worn on the upper teeth. However, for people with braces on the lower teeth, it is wise to wear one on both the upper and lower teeth.
There are special mouthguards that are made for athletes with braces. They provide extra space for the braces, while continuing to protect the teeth well.
Custom mouthguards
There is also the option of having your dentist make a mouthguard that is perfectly tailored to your teeth. A model of your teeth is then made to ensure a close and comfortable fit.
However, that is an expensive choice and often unnecessary because there are enough good mouthguards to be found.
Are there any drawbacks to a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is essential for American football athletes and prevents injuries. However, there are also some drawbacks to using a mouthguard.
They will loosen up in the long run
Over time, there is a chance that a mouthguard will loosen, making it less effective. They then often tend to lose their shape and good fit.
In such a case it is time for a new mouthguard. So choose a durable mouthguard that you can use for a number of seasons.
Adjustment makes a mouthguard thinner
If you choose a mouthguard that you can adjust to your teeth, you often have to put it in boiling water and then put it in your mouth to create the right fit.
However, this can make the layer of the mouthguard thinner, reducing the level of protection.
Also, these 'boil and bite' mouthguards are not always easy to use.
Annoying to wear
If the mouthguard is not a comfortable fit, players will find it awkward to wear. Tissue irritation may occur during use. Therefore, choose a mouthguard that fits comfortably.
American Football mouthguards Q&A
What mouthguards do NFL players use?
NFL players wear mouthguards from well-known brands such as Battle, Shock Doctor and Nike. These mouthguards have a unique style and protect the jaw and mouth.
However, NFL players are not required to wear mouthguards.
Do I have to wear a mouthguard when playing football?
Mouthguards are mandatory in almost every football organization. A well-designed mouthguard protects the teeth, lips and tongue.
Depending on the athlete's position on the field, different designs and fits are available.
Can you play football without a mouthguard?
If you are hit in the face during a match, that blow sends shock waves through your teeth, jaw and skull. Without a mouthguard, there's nothing to stop the blow or lessen its intensity.
Don't quarterbacks wear mouthguards?
Technically, NFL rules don't require quarterbacks to wear a mouthguard.
However, my advice is to wear a mouthguard regardless of your position on the pitch to protect yourself from concussions and tooth injuries.
Should the mouthguard be top or bottom?
Unless you wear braces on your lower or upper teeth, you only need to wear a mouthguard for the top row of teeth.
In addition to a bit, there is also a good helmet indispensable in American Football (comprehensive review)
