Mouth guards in the Olympics: Can you use one & why it matters

Do Olympians actually wear mouthguards?

Absolutely. Mouth guards are everywhere in contact-heavy sports like boxing, taekwondo, karate, judo, rugby sevens, and field hockey; for Olympic athletes, wearing a mouth guard isn't optional, it's a necessity.

Did you know that the Olympic dental teams travel with the athletes and are responsible for fabricating highly accurate and performance-tuned mouthguards? Many of the athletes even carry with them two or three mouth guards: one for their training, one for competition, and the other for backup.

While athletes may decide to use custom-boil and bite mouth guards on a casual training day, when it comes time for competition or a big training block, they often make the conscious choice to wear a custom-fabricated mouth guard from their dentist. These mouth guards provide the necessary "protection, grip, comfort, and confidence elite sport requires".

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Why custom mouthguards matter more than you think

This is where we expand things, because the benefits go way beyond “protecting your teeth.” A high-quality sports mouthguard shapes performance in ways people rarely talk about.

Optimal, high-impact protection

A custom guard distributes force evenly across the jaw. This means:

Store-bought guards? They can't contour to your dental structure the same way. That's why Olympians avoid them except for the most casual drills.

Noticeably better comfort & fit

An elite athlete can't afford a distraction. A bulky or poorly fitted mouthguard can:

A custom guard feels nothing like that. It sits low, snug, precise. You almost forget it's there… until you take a hit and realise why you needed it.

Improved breathing (seriously, it matters)

Better airflow means better oxygen consumption. And better oxygen consumption? Better endurance, faster recovery between bursts, sharper reactions.

This is a big reason Olympians insist on thin-profile, moulded-fit guards; breathing is part of performance.

A stronger, more stable jaw = more power

A stable bite position helps stabilize the head and neck muscles. That can:

It's subtle, but at the Olympic level, subtle differences win medals.

Protection for braces, implants, veneers, and fillings

Many athletes, even Olympians, have dental work.

A custom guard protects that investment.

Caspersmile guards are built specifically to shield:

Because replacing these is expensive… and painful.

Potential reduction in concussion severity

While no mouthguard can eliminate concussions, research shows custom guards may reduce transmitted force to the skull.

High-quality materials cushion the blow. Poor-quality materials? Not so much.

Confidence under pressure

Honestly, this one is underrated. When you know your gear is solid, you train harder and compete more freely. Nothing feels worse than worrying about a loose guard while someone's charging at you.

Myths about mouthguards

Myth #1: Only fighters need mouthguards.

Myth #2: Boil-and-bite is “good enough.”

Myth #3: A thicker mouthguard = more protection.

Myth #4: You only need it in competitions.

Myth #5: Custom guards are expensive.

Important factors for Olympic-level mouthguards

Elite athletes don't choose random gear. Their guards are built with intention.

Custom vs. Store-bought

A custom sports gum shield is crafted specifically to fit the unique contours of your mouth, providing a tailored, comfortable fit that enhances performance and protection. In contrast, a stock guard is a one-size-fits-all solution that often fits poorly, leading to discomfort and reduced effectiveness.

Boil-and-bite mouth guards attempt to offer a middle ground by allowing users to soften them in hot water and then bite down to create an impression of their teeth. However, these guards can quickly lose their shape and effectiveness, becoming less protective over time.

Custom-made mouth guards, like the Caspersmile Mouth Guard, not only provide superior comfort and fit but also stand the test of time, maintaining their shape and protective qualities through rigorous use. This is especially important for athletes involved in high-contact sports where dental injuries are a real concern.

Moreover, choosing a custom guard does not have to come with an exorbitant price tag. Caspersmile offers precision protection without the hefty dental bills often associated with Olympic-level products, making it an excellent choice for everyday athletes who want both quality and affordability in their sports gear. As awareness of the importance of dental protection grows, more UK athletes are turning to custom solutions that prioritize their health and performance.

Don't compromise your performance or protection

Choose a Caspersmile custom mouthguard. Perfect fit, superior comfort, and maximum safety are designed for athletes who demand the best.

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Sport-specific engineering

Different sports demand different structures:

Not every athlete needs the same thing. Customisation is the difference between “a mouthguard” and your mouthguard.

Breathing & performance

Designers refine mouthguards by fine-tuning airflow channels, thickness, and bite zones to ensure maximum protection without compromising performance. In sports where milliseconds or inches can decide the outcome, these details are crucial.

Airflow channels enhance breathing efficiency, while the thickness balances protection with comfort, preventing bulk that could hinder movement. The bite zones are tailored for a secure fit, allowing athletes to focus on their performance. Ultimately, the careful design of mouthguards reflects the importance of both safety and functionality in competitive sports.

“Mouthguards protect your teeth and jaws from injury during sports. They help prevent chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, and jaw trauma. They're essential for contact and high-impact activities.”

Dr. Ardra Kilaparti

How the process works

People often imagine custom mouthguards as complicated, dental-chair-only procedures. They're not. And Caspersmile makes it even easier.

Step 1: Take an impression or digital scan

Olympians often do this onsite at training camps. For you? Caspersmile sends an easy home-impression kit.

You bite in, let it set, and send it back. Done.

Step 2: Precision crafting begins

Dental technicians:

This part is borderline art.

Step 3: Layering, shaping & margins

Multiple protective layers are fused. Edges are softened. Bite pads are customised. Breathing channels (if needed) are integrated.

This is the moment the guard becomes “yours,” not a generic piece of plastic.

Step 4: Fit, adjust & final check

Olympians test their guards in warm-ups. You'll simply pop it in, check the comfort, and you're ready.

Step 5: Compete, train, protect

A properly crafted mouth guard sports model gives you:

Why every athlete needs the right mouthguard

There is something subtly impressive about an item of equipment that is pocket-sized yet important enough to influence a match outcome. The exceptional piece of equipment, a mouthguard. It isn't fashionable, doesn't go viral on social media, but will keep your smile, jaw, and self-esteem intact, and, if you are truly a competitor on the ground, maybe even your chance to win.

Train like an Olympian. Protect like a pro. And help your future self (and your teeth) smile.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use a dental mouthguard for sports? +

No. Dental night guards aren't designed for impact. You need a sports mouthguard built to absorb blows.

Why do athletes use mouth guards? +

To protect teeth, jaws, and gums, and reduce injury during high-impact movements or collisions.

Are mouth guards allowed in soccer? +

Yes, they're allowed. They're not mandatory, but players can wear them.

What is the difference between a mouth guard and a sports guard? +

A regular mouthguard protects teeth from grinding; a sports guard protects against physical impact.

How to wear a mouthguard for sports? +

Fit it fully over your upper teeth, press it into place, and make sure it feels snug without slipping.

Why do athletes chew their mouthguards? +

Usually from stress, habit, or to keep the guard seated, though chewing can shorten its lifespan.

How long do mouth guards last? +

Typically 6-12 months, depending on use, impact level, and whether you chew on it.

Why don't soccer players wear mouthguards? +

Mostly because the sport isn't high-contact compared to rugby or boxing, and many players find it uncomfortable.