Basketball Mouthguards

Quick answer: in basketball, a light, stable mouthguard can be worthwhile against elbows, collisions, falls and contact under the basket. It should let you run, communicate and drink without constantly fiddling with it. Whether you need one depends on your exposure, your history and your dentist's advice.

In this guide

1. Why in basketball
2. Discretion and communication
3. Which type to choose
4. Young players
5. Getting used to wearing it

Is basketball really a risky sport for your teeth?

Basketball is not classed as a combat sport, but contact does happen: an elbow on the rebound, a head during a drive, a fall, the ball or a collision under the hoop. Dental injuries also occur in sports without constant direct confrontation. A mouthguard, or gum shield, is a preventive measure to consider with your coaching staff and a health professional, especially after a previous injury.

It does not replace following the rules or getting treatment after an impact. If a tooth is displaced, broken, painful or loose, see a professional promptly rather than putting the guard back in and carrying on.

A discreet model for running and making calls

Communication is constant in basketball. A mouthguard that does not stay in place can get in the way of defensive calls and push the player to chew it. Test your speech with your mouth open: the guard must stay on the upper arch. A bulky profile will often be less well tolerated over a full match.

Comfort encourages regular wear, but thinness should not be confused with guaranteed protection. The shape, the coverage and the quality of the moulding matter as much as the stated thickness.

Boil-and-bite or custom-fit for basketball?

A well-moulded boil-and-bite mouthguard (thermoformable, moulded at home in hot water) often suits a player who wants to try this kind of protection, is returning after an injury or plays occasionally. Follow the instructions precisely and check the retention once it has cooled.

A custom-fit mouthguard is worth considering if you play several times a week, if standard models fall out when you talk or if you want a more precisely fitted solution. At Proteksports, production generally takes 5–10 days after your impression is approved.

Basketball for children and teenagers

Growth and the eruption of new teeth change the fit. Check regularly that the mouthguard comes out easily, does not press on a tooth and does not cause pain. A mouthguard bought at the start of the season may need replacing before the next one.

With braces or another orthodontic appliance, your orthodontist's advice is essential. The guard must take into account the relief of the appliance and the space needed for the teeth to move.

How to start wearing a mouthguard without discomfort

Start during a warm-up, then wear it for shooting and running drills before playing against opposition. Learn to drink without putting it down on a bench. Only ever store it in its case, and never slip it into a sock or a pocket.

For another team sport with more one-on-one duels, see the handball guide. For continuous contact, read the rugby guide.

Fit, care and ordering

Fit and care follow the same rules as for other sports: see the instructions and the comparison.

In basketball, choose a model you forget about while running and communicating, then test it over several sessions.