If you play footy, a mouthguard is one of the easiest bits of kit to get wrong. The good news is that once you understand fit, thickness and how you breathe, choosing one gets simple.

AFL Mouthguards: How to Choose the Right One for Footy

Do I need a mouthguard for training, or just games?

A common question we hear in-store is whether you can skip a mouthguard at training. If you do any contact drills, contested marking, or match simulation, it is worth wearing the same style of mouthguard you plan to use on game day. It helps you get used to breathing and talking with it in, and it reduces the chance of a nasty surprise when the intensity ramps up. If you are only doing light skills and running, some players leave it out, but most clubs push for consistent use across sessions.

Boil-and-bite or custom: what is the real difference?

Most footy mouthguards you buy off the shelf are heat mouldable, often called boil-and-bite or self-fit. You soften them in hot water, mould them to your upper teeth, and trim where needed. They are convenient, reasonably priced, and a solid option for many junior and social players.

A custom mouthguard (made by a dentist) is moulded from an impression of your teeth. The fit is usually more secure and comfortable, and you can often get a slimmer profile for the same level of coverage. If you have braces, a complicated bite, or you play a high-contact role, a custom guard is often the easiest to live with. For most people, the decision comes down to comfort, how well the guard stays put, and how serious your football is.

How should an AFL mouthguard fit?

Fit matters more than brand. A good mouthguard should sit on your upper teeth without you needing to clench your jaw to hold it in place. You should be able to open your mouth slightly and it should not drop out. It should cover the teeth and the gum line without digging into your gums, and it should not feel like it is pushing your lips forward so far you cannot close comfortably.

After moulding, check three things.

• Retention: it stays in place while you talk and breathe.
• Coverage: it covers the full row of upper teeth, including the back molars.
• Comfort: no sharp edges, no rubbing on the gums, and no gagging feeling.

If it feels bulky or unstable, re-mould it (most self-fit guards allow a second attempt), or consider stepping up a level in fit.

Kids mouthguards: what parents should look for

For Auskick and junior footy, parents usually want two things: something the child will actually wear, and something that protects properly. A mouthguard that is too big, too thick, or poorly moulded often ends up in the sock or left in the kit bag. For kids, a slimmer, well-fitted guard tends to get better compliance.

Look for a youth size (not just a small adult), and take the time to mould it carefully. If your child is between sizes, prioritise a secure fit on the upper teeth rather than extra bulk. Also be realistic about the season. Kids grow quickly, and a guard that fit in April can feel tight by August. If the guard starts to feel uncomfortable or does not sit properly, it is time to replace it.

Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?

You can, but it is worth getting the fit right. Some off-the-shelf mouthguards are designed to accommodate braces, while others can interfere with brackets or feel unstable as teeth move. If you are in braces and playing contact football, talk to your orthodontist about a guard that suits your stage of treatment. The key is a guard that stays put without needing hard clenching, and that does not press awkwardly on the braces hardware.

How thick should a footy mouthguard be?

Players often assume thicker means safer, but thickness is only useful if the mouthguard fits and you can wear it comfortably. A bulky guard that makes you breathe poorly or talk less tends to get half-worn or chewed, which defeats the purpose. For most community footy players, a well-fitted guard with good coverage is the priority. If you are playing a high-contact role or you have a history of getting clipped, it can be worth looking at a higher protection level. The trade-off is usually a bit more bulk.

Popular right now at Sportsmart

• OPRO Silver Youth Mouthguard – A good starting point for junior players who want a secure self-fit option.
• Shock Doctor Superfit Adult Mouthguard – Worth considering if you want an adult guard that moulds firmly and stays put.
• Signature Type 2 Youth Mouthguard – A straightforward junior guard for weekend footy and school sport.
• Signature Type 3 Teen VIPA Mouthguard – A teen option if you are chasing a bit more structure than a basic junior guard.
• Signature Type 3 Teen Dentist2GO Mouthguard – A teen guard to consider if you want a more secure feel for contact drills.
• Sherrin KB Official AFL Game Ball – Handy if you are sorting your kit at the same time and want a proper footy for training and kick-to-kick.
• ASICS Lethal Speed RS 3 Adults Football Boots – A popular option for players after a lighter boot feel around winter grounds.
• Shop AFL – Browse more footy gear, balls, boots and training essentials.

Common mistakes we see with footy mouthguards

• Not moulding it properly: rushing the hot water step or not pressing it firmly into the teeth leaves you with a loose guard.
• Trimming too much: cutting back the guard can reduce coverage on the back teeth. Trim small amounts and re-check fit.
• Chewing it: a mouthguard is not a stress toy. If you chew it, it will soften, distort and stop fitting well.
• Leaving it in the sun or a hot car: heat can warp the shape, especially for self-fit models.
• Not cleaning it: rinse after every session and store it dry in a ventilated case.

FAQ

How long does a mouthguard last?
For most community footy players, a season is a good rule of thumb, but it depends on how often you train and whether you chew it. If it no longer fits snugly, has cracks, or has gone misshapen, replace it.

Do I mould the mouthguard on my top teeth or bottom teeth?
Most mouthguards are designed for the upper teeth. That is where you get better retention and coverage while still being able to breathe. Follow the instructions on the specific model you buy.

Can I talk and call with a mouthguard in?
You should be able to. If you cannot call or you feel like you are choking on it, the guard is either too bulky for you or it was moulded poorly. A more secure fit often feels slimmer in the mouth.

Should I store it in my footy bag?
Better to store it in a ventilated case and let it dry. A damp mouthguard in a closed pocket can get pretty unpleasant, and it is not great for hygiene.

What if my mouthguard keeps falling out?
First, try re-moulding it. If it still will not stay in place without clenching, you may need a different size or a higher level of fit. If you have braces or a complex bite, consider a mouthguard designed for braces or a custom option.

Equipment care note

Always check your mouthguard before use and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. If it is damaged or no longer fits properly, replace it.

Need a hand choosing?

Drop into Sportsmart Moorabbin, Preston or Kilsyth to compare options and get the fit right. If you are shopping online, our team can help you narrow it down for your footy season.