Lacrosse Mouthguards

Lacrosse mouthguards are a crucial piece of equipment for players at all levels of the game. They are especially important for women's lacrosse players, as helmets are not used. Although men wear helmets while playing lacrosse, the mouthguard is a great way to provide extra protection for the mouth.

What are lacrosse mouthguards used for?

Lacrosse mouthguards are used to protect the mouth from injury during gameplay. Different mouthguards can provide different levels of protection and can serve different purposes. It is important to make sure your mouthguard fits properly so you can communicate effectively on the lacrosse field. In most lacrosse leagues, you will receive a penalty if you abstain from wearing a mouthguard.

Things To Consider

When looking for a lacrosse mouthguard, you'll want to consider the following:

• What will you be using the mouthguard for?
• Have you suffered mouth injuries before?
• How much money do you have to spend on a mouthguard?
• Do you have braces?

What are you looking for in lacrosse mouthguards?

• To be comfortable
• To be custom fitted
• To have maximum protection
• To allow effective communication
• To be affordable

Types

There are a few different factors that come into play, which result in a variety of mouthguard options. For example, some are manufactured to be more affordable while others are custom to fit an individual. Having an understanding of each type of mouthguard will allow you to make the most informed purchase.

Stock Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards are the cheapest and most accessible out of all mouthguards used in lacrosse. They are made out of rubber and can be purchased in almost all sporting goods stores. Stock mouthguards are only available in limited sizes. This lack of customization means that they do not fit as well as custom mouthguards. When a mouthguard doesn't fit well it can also affect your ability to communicate with teammates.

Moldable Mouthguards

Moldable mouthguards are another great option for extra mouth protection. Since they are molded to fit the player's teeth, they are held in place without needing to bite down. This makes them more comfortable and takes away a lot of safety concerns, lowering the risk of injury compared to stock mouthguards.

Custom Dentistry Mouthguards

Custom dentistry mouthguards are the safest out of all mouthguard options. They limit injuries caused to your tongue, lips, teeth, jaw, and gums. These mouthguards are not available for purchase in sporting goods stores like other types of mouthguards. They are also highly recommended by dentists based on their enhanced safety features and will need to be custom fit. The downside to custom dentistry mouthguards is that they are the most expensive option on the market.

Materials

Lacrosse mouthguards come in many materials. It is important to research these different types as some provide better protection, fitting, etc.

• Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA): EVA is a very durable material for mouthguards. Because it caves under pressure, it is able to help protect your jaw and head when it is bit down on. It also tends to be the most common material in mouthguards.
• Thermoplastic: Thermoplastic is great for mouthguards that are moldable to your teeth. Because they can be molded when exposed to high temperatures, they are great for mouthguards. Simply dipping a thermoplastic in warm water for a few minutes and then putting it in your mouth, will mold it to your mouth.
• Polyurethane: Polyurethane is the cheapest material used in mouthguards. This by default makes it the most accessible. However the trade off with polyurethane is that it is the least durable and effective at preventing injury.

Brands

There are many brands that manufacture lacrosse mouthguards. Some of the most popul;ar are Shock Doctor, SISU, and Gladiator.

Shock Doctor

Shock Doctor is a very reliable brand. Their mouthguards tend to be some of the most durable on the market. They offer mouthguards at a good price point costing roughly $20.

SISU

SISU mouthguards are great for fitting and molding to a player's mouth. It is also an excellent brand for taller athletes, as they have options for players specifically above 6”. Their products are towards the higher end in terms of price and cost roughly $20-$25.

Gladiator

Gladiator mouthguards are custom made and provide the best fit for lacrosse players. They are very durable, but are the most expensive option and can cost around $50.

FAQ