Do Ice Hockey Players Have to Wear a Mouthguard in Games?
Ice hockey isn't exactly a gentle sport. There are hard hits, fast shots, and plenty of contact along the boards — and things can get intense pretty quickly. That's why protecting your teeth shouldn't be something you think about only after something goes wrong.
A well-fitted sports mouth guard can help lower your risk of serious dental injuries — but not all mouth guards are built the same. Here's what hockey players should keep in mind when choosing one, and why going custom often makes more sense.
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Why Mouthguards Matter in Ice Hockey
Hockey is a game enjoyed by millions all over the world, and the U.S. happens to have the most players, according to Statista. Ice hockey players usually fall into two groups: youth leagues, where kids are learning and sharpening their skills, and professional leagues, where athletes put years of training and experience to the test at the highest level. With such intensity and speed on the ice, a mouthguard becomes an essential piece of protective gear — it basically shields your teeth during practices or games.
The American Dental Association says that wearing one in high-speed sports like hockey can really cut down the risk of dental injuries. In fact, one study found that getting hit by a hockey stick was the most common cause of dental injuries during ice hockey practices and games. Another study showed that the injuries players most often experienced were cuts around the mouth, bruises, and broken or knocked-out teeth — usually from a puck or a clash with an opponent.
Need to learn more why mouthguards are essential in contact sports? Find it here: Playing Contact Sports? Here's Why You Need a Mouth Guard
Why Every Ice Hockey Player Needs a Mouthguard
Hockey Is a Fast-Paced, High-Speed Sport
Here's what the numbers say about hockey. Players can skate anywhere from 10 to 25 km/h, and some can push it up to 30-35 km/h. Their hits or an NHL slapshot can reach speeds of 90-100 mph (145-160 km/h). A standard hockey puck weighs about 5.5-6 ounces, roughly the same as a baseball. Now imagine that small, hard disc flying straight at your face at those speeds. It would really hurt. That is why wearing a mouthguard is not just a recommendation but smart protection for your teeth.
Want to learn more about other sports similar to hockey? Check them out here and start finding the right mouthguard for your game: 8 Sports You Should Never Play Without a Mouthguard
Physical Contact Is Part of the Game
As we mentioned earlier, hockey is a highly physical sport. Players perform a mix of offensive and defensive moves every game, and sometimes these maneuvers can impact multiple parts of the body, including the head and jaw. Wearing a mouthguard should be part of your protective gear to help reduce the risk of injury to these crucial areas.
Dental Injuries Are Common in Contact Sports
When you combine the speed and physical contact hockey players face in every match, dental injuries become highly likely. In fact, a study on the prevalence of dental injuries during ice hockey training and games found that being struck by a hockey stick was the most common cause of dental trauma. Another study reported that the most frequent injuries cuts to the mouth area, bruising, and broken or dislodged teeth.
Not Mandatory Doesn’t Mean Not Necessary
Mouthguards aren't required at every level of hockey. Some leagues, especially for kids and amateurs, do require them. Even when they don't, experts like the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry strongly recommend wearing one. It's an easy way to protect your teeth and lower your risk of injuries on the ice.
How to Choose the Right Mouthguard for Ice Hockey Players
When searching for an ice hockey mouthguard, you'll find three main types: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Stock and boil-and-bite are affordable and convenient but offer minimal fit. Custom-made mouthguards, from a dentist or direct-to-consumer, are molded precisely to your teeth for superior protection and comfort. For a fast-paced, highly active sport like ice hockey, a custom fit is often the better choice.
Wanna learn how a custom sports mouthguard functions better than a generic guard? Check this article next: Custom vs. Boil-and-Bit Guards: Which Is Best?
Protect Your Teeth in Ice Hockey With ClearClub
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Ice hockey shouldn't come with worries about your teeth. Keep them safe with a reliable, durable sports mouthguard! The ClearClub Custom Sports Mouth Guard is made from FDA-approved, BPA-free materials. At 4.5 mm thick, it's soft on the inside and tough on the outside, giving you comfort without compromising protection. You can even pick from a bunch of colors to match your team's uniform.
Want one less thing to worry about? Our renewal plan makes sure you always have a fresh, durable mouthguard ready whenever you hit the ice. Get the protection your teeth deserves today.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are mouthguards mandatory in ice hockey?
Wearing a mouthguard is not universally mandatory in ice hockey. Many youth and amateur leagues require players to wear one, while some adult leagues do not. Regardless of league rules, experts strongly recommend using a sports mouthguard during games to reduce the risk of dental injuries.
❓ What happens if you play hockey without a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a protective mouthpiece worn by athletes to shield their teeth from impact, whether from flying pucks or collisions with opponents. Not wearing one can increase the risk of dental injuries such as lacerations, tooth avulsion, and cracked or broken teeth.
❓ Which mouthguard is best for ice hockey players?
If you’re looking for a mouthguard that offers a precise fit and reliable protection, custom-made mouthguards are your best choice. They are molded specifically to your teeth, and some manufacturers, like ClearClub, offer them at an affordable price while maintaining quality comparable to dentist-made options.
Looking for something else? Check our full FAQs section.