Last Updated on March 21, 2025 by Andy
Field hockey is a fast-paced and intense sport, and when you’re putting all your energy into the game, the last thing you want is a hit to the mouth. Hockey sticks can cause not only severe pain but also long-term damage to your teeth. Protecting your smile should be a priority, and that’s where a good mouthguard comes in. A properly fitting field hockey mouthguard can save you from painful injuries and ensure you can keep playing confidently.
The bad taste of your athletic mouthguard can be a definite nuisance. Are you suffering from this discomfort? Lucky for you, there is no need to tolerate it. The market currently offers some of the best athletic and custom mouthguards ever. Not only will these taste great, but they are also comfortable to wear and easy to access. They will protect your mouth and teeth from injury, keeping you in the game.
Do You Need a Mouthguard for Field Hockey?
Yes! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, a mouthguard is a must-have. With the high potential for fast-moving sticks, hits, and accidental collisions, a mouthguard ensures your teeth and jaw stay protected. It’s essential to choose one that provides proper shock absorption, comfort, and a good fit to keep you in the game.
Mouthguards Act as Shock Absorbers
Mouthguards act as shock absorbers when impact occurs to the mouth, jaw, or chin—the three areas where orofacial injuries typically happen. Without protection at the point of impact, damage is inevitable—and it’s often bloody. Here are the three main types of facial impacts that athletes typically receive and how a mouthguard helps protect them:
The Most Common Injuries Without Wearing a Mouthguard
Without a mouth guard, you are at risk of getting injured when playing field hockey. These are risks:
- Direct Impact to the Mouth: This is the most common type of impact. It can come from a stick, puck, ball, hand, or elbow. A direct hit to the mouth can damage the lips, cheeks, gums, and teeth.
- Direct Impact to the Jaw: This impact usually comes from the side, hitting the jaw directly. It can cause damage to the jawbones, teeth, and jaw joint (TMJ).
- Impact Under the Chin: Commonly known as “being hit on the button,” this impact typically comes from a shoulder, hand, or elbow coming upward from below. The force of the hit can slam the lower jaw into the upper jaw, causing damage to the jawbones, teeth, and jaw joint (TMJ).
Key Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard:
- Oral Injury Protection: A properly fitting mouthguard absorbs the impact to the mouth and disperses it throughout the entire area, helping to protect soft tissues and teeth. It also softens the sharp edges of the teeth, minimizing or eliminating damage.
- TMJ (Jaw Joint) Trauma Protection: A well-fitted mouthguard cushions the jaw joint, protecting it from fractures or displacement when the upper and lower jaw collide during impact.
- Jaw Fracture Protection: Mouthguards reduce shock to the jaw during impact, providing protection from fractures that could result from the force.
In order for a mouthguard to provide adequate protection, it must fit properly. It should sit securely against the upper teeth without the need for biting or clenching, and it must stay in place during activities, especially when it’s needed most.
Field Hockey Mouthguard for Kids with Braces
For young players with braces, choosing a specialized mouthguard is critical. Braces can increase the risk of mouth injuries, and a regular mouthguard might not provide enough protection. Look for mouthguards that are designed for braces wearers. These options typically feature a soft, formable material that molds to the brackets and wires, providing superior protection. A custom mouthguard can also be an option for enhanced safety and comfort.
What’s the Best Field Hockey Mouthguard?
When you are purchasing a field hockey mouthguard, you need to keep an eye out for something thick; this will help in keeping your bottom and top teeth separated when you bite down. Moreover, thicker materials offer additional shock absorption which is great protection for your jaw and teeth, especially when you are an athlete. You should always choose your own mouthguard in order to get yourself the best quality.
The basic and standard mouthguards are quite thin and are often made cheaply and may not adequately protect your teeth and mouth. You need a field hockey mouthguard made from high-quality materials that offer longevity, protection, and good taste. Invest in the best names in the sports industry such as Shock Doctor and Under Armour.
Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection and comfort. Here are some of the best field hockey mouthguards available today:
1. Battle Limited-Edition Oxygen Lip Protector Mouth Guard
The popularity enjoyed by this mouthguard is quite understandable. It has a cool design which is a unique selling point on its own.
If you’re serious about field hockey, you need battle-ready gear—literally. The Battle Sports Oxygen Lip Protector Mouthguard is designed for field hockey players who play hard and demand top-tier protection. With its advanced composite material, this mouthguard offers superior durability, lasting longer than many other options on the market.
What sets this mouthguard apart is the hole in the front. The hole allows the user more room to breathe from their mouth.raditional mouth guards do not have this feature. The piece does not need boiling, and you can wear this without braces as well. It comes with a whopping $5000 dental warranty which clearly shows the quality being offered.
Pros
- Innovative lip guard design
- Extra breathing room
- Does not require boiling for fitting
- According to the players, it maintains its shape and durability longer than many other mouthguards
Cons
- Some players may prefer a strap for additional security
- Not the cheapest option
2. Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouthguard
When it comes to high-impact protection, Shock Doctor is a name athletes trust. The Gel Max Mouthguard delivers full-mouth protection with its exoskeletal shock frame, designed to absorb even the hardest hits. Whether you’re playing field hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, or football, this mouthguard ensures your teeth, tongue, and cheeks stay safe.
One of its standout features is its custom fit. Thanks to Gel-Fit Liner Technology, you can boil and bite to mold it precisely to your teeth and gums. This ensures not only a snug, comfortable fit but also enhanced shock absorption during intense gameplay.
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Built for Performance – Integrated breathing channels make it easy to breathe, keeping you focused on the game.
- Flavored Options Available – Unlike most mouthguards, this one comes in flavored and unflavored versions, adding a refreshing taste while you play.
- Detachable Helmet Strap – Convenient for multi-sport athletes who need a secure fit with a helmet.
- Variety of Colors – Choose from multiple colors to match your style.
Pros
- High-quality exo-skeletal
- Reliable brand
- Easy fitting
- Variety of colors
Cons
- Not compatible with braces
- Requires boiling for proper fit
- Traditional style—not as modern as some designs
3.Shock Doctor Sports Mouth Guard Trash Talker
If you’re looking for a low-profile, comfortable mouthguard for field hockey, football, basketball, or lacrosse, the Shock Doctor Sports Mouthguard is a great option. While it’s not as widely known as the Gel Max, it still delivers solid protection with a breathable design that makes it easy to breathe and drink while wearing it.
These are the reason why should you get one:
- Precise Fit: The boil-and-bite customization ensures a secure, snug fit that won’t shift during play.
- Soft Yet Protective: Athletes love that it’s pliable yet durable, offering solid protection without cutting into the gums.
- Breathable & Functional: Unlike bulkier mouthguards, this model makes it easier to breathe, drink, and even talk—though some find it a bit snug when trying to remove it.
- Safe & Non-Toxic: Made from latex-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free materials, ensuring safety for long-term use.
Pros
- Snug & comfortable fit—stays in place during intense play
- Latex-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free for safety
- Shock Doctor high-quality material to absorb impacts
Cons
- Snug fit can make removal tricky
4. Teeth Armor Sports Mouth Guard
This is probably the most basic mouth guard for field hockey you can find. It does not come in fancy designs, and the price is quite affordable, especially with the value it offers. If you have more to put toward the investment, then you can opt for better protection brands. However, this one also does its job very well. The custom-fit material molds to your teeth for comfort, and the thick cushioning base absorbs shock, making it an excellent option for field hockey players. Plus, it’s made from BPA- and latex-free materials, ensuring safety.
Pros
- The mouthguard material is absorbent and offers thick technology
- Reasonable price
- Dental warranty of $32000 ensure reliability of the brand
- Comes in a 2-pack with a vented carrying case
Cons
- Other brands offer additional protection
- Lack of variety regarding design
5. Vettex Double Mouth Guard with Lip Protection
This is a desirable choice if you are familiar with the Shock Doctor brand. You can get a similar looking athletic mouthguard without the hefty price tag. It is as affordable as mouthguards manufactured with reasonably high-quality materials can get.
However, it does not feature an air hole. It has the option of the Vegas Gold color which is quite rare and catches your eye instantly. This unique color can help you stand out in the field. It offers an additional lip guard to protect your lips from any damage. For an adult field hockey mouthguard, this brand is also the most affordable option.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Design very similar to Shock Doctor 3300
- Unique color
- Additional lip protection
Cons
- Little brand awareness and reliability
- No air hole
- Lack of warranty
6. Under Armor Air Lip Guard
Built in collaboration with Shock Doctor, the Under Armour Air Lip Guard is designed for serious athletes who need top-tier protection and comfort. The dual-layer construction absorbs even the hardest impacts, while the Gel-Fit liner molds to your teeth for a custom fit. Integrated breathing channels ensure easy airflow, helping you stay focused and perform at your best.
Pros
- Dual-layer construction absorbs strong hits
- Easy breathing – integrated airflow channels improve oxygen intake
- Dental warranty – $10,000 coverage for added security
- Detachable tether – can be used with or without a helmet strap
Cons
- Bulkier design. It might feel larger than traditional mouthguards
- Not compatible with braces
7. Safe Jawz Fangz Mouthguard
The SafeJawz Fangz Mouthguard is a solid choice for athletes who want both protection and a bit of personality. It molds well to your teeth thanks to FLUID FIT™ technology, so it stays in place during play. The JawSecure feature helps absorb impacts, and its slim design makes it comfortable without triggering a gag reflex.
One of the standout features is the design options – whether you go for Black Fangz, Goldie, Mo, Ogre, Pink Fangz, Shark, or Viper, it definitely looks cooler than a plain mouthguard. It also comes with a carrying case, which is a nice bonus.
Pros
- Molds easily for a secure fit
- Dual-layer design adds extra protection
- Slim profile makes it comfortable to wear
- Comes in cool designs
- Includes a case for storage
Cons
- Not suitable for braces
- Only available in two sizes (junior and adult)
8. SISU Aero Mouthguard
The SISU Aero Mouthguard is a lightweight, custom-molded option designed for athletes who want both protection and comfort. Unlike bulky traditional mouthguards, the Aero is 50% thinner, making it easy to talk, breathe, and drink while wearing it.
A key feature is its remoldable design—you can reshape it up to 20 times, which is great if you need adjustments over time. Made from high-tech thermoplastic, it’s 30% stronger than standard mouthguard materials while still maintaining a comfortable fit.
It’s available in three sizes (small, medium, and large), and while it works with braces, an orthodontist should fit it properly for the best results.
You also get plenty of color choices: hot pink, awesome aqua, charcoal black, electric blue, neon flash, noble navy, royal blue, snow white, intense red, lucky lavender.
Pros
- Slim design—comfortable for talking, breathing, and drinking
- Custom-molded fit, remoldable up to 20 times
- 30% stronger than traditional mouthguards
- Works with braces (medium & large sizes only)
- Available in 10 colors
Cons
- Requires hot water molding, which takes some effort
Final Thoughts
The mouthguards listed here are some of the best available options for field hockey players. Choose based on your specific needs—whether that’s extra protection, comfort, or a particular style. Don’t compromise on quality; your teeth are worth the investment. Remember to consider factors like material, fit, and protection level, and opt for reputable brands. Ultimately, a high-quality mouthguard can make all the difference in your game and help you stay safe on the field.
Good luck, and play safe!
