8 Sports You Should Never Play Without a Mouthguard

Sports are one of the most effective ways to pass time, manage stress, and build teamwork skills. The only way to ruin it is by playing irresponsibly, like skipping the mouthguard. 

If you play sports, especially high-impact or contact sports, you need a sports mouthguard to avoid serious dental injuries.

In this blog, we'll cover eight sports you should never play without a sports mouthguard, the importance of proper safety gear, and how ClearClub can help you find the right protection for your smile.

8 Sports That Can Damage Your Teeth Without a Mouthguard

Basketball

Basketball is a high-speed team sport where players aim to score by shooting the ball into the opposing team's hoop. The game often involves physical contact like shoving, pushing, and elbowing, which can lead to accidental hits to the head and mouth. Playing without a mouthguard increases the risk of dental injuries, since these devices help absorb the impact from collisions, whether with a teammate, an opponent, or even the ball.

Wondering why a basketball mouthguard is the best way to protect your teeth? Find out here: Choosing the Right Basketball Mouth Guard

Hockey

Baseball

Baseball is a strategic team sport with occasional bursts of adrenaline. Teams alternate between offense and defense, relying more on speed and precision than constant physical extertion. High-energy moments usually happen during base running, fielding, or chasing a fast play. Even so, it is still crucial to wear a sports guard. Getting hit in the face by a ball, tripping while running the bases, or colliding with a wall or another player are all possible causes of dental injuries.

Your smile deserves backup on the field. See why a baseball mouthguard isn't optional. Check it here: A Baseball Mouth Guard: Is it Necessary?

Volleyball

Volleyball is an intense sport played by two teams separated by an elevated net. The goal is to score by grounding the ball on the opponent's side or forcing errors like missed hits or out-of-bounds returns. The game involves constant jumping, spiking, blocking, and even diving to save the ball. Without a protective dental gear, these charged movements can put players at risk of accidental facial impacts and dental injuries.

Football

Gymnastics

Soccer

Martial Arts

Martial arts is an umbrella term for combat practices that focus on self-defense, discipline, physical fitness, and competitive performance. Popular examples include judo, jujutsu, boxing, kung fu, and kickboxing. Unlike ball-based sports that revolve around scoring through a goal or hoop, most martial arts emphasize body movements such as striking, grappling, or weapon use. That's why a sports mouthguard is essential—to protect your teeth from stray hits and kicks.

Curious how to protect your teeth while throwing punches or grappling? Check this out: Mastering Mat Safety: The Perfect Mouth Guard for Wrestling

Why Every Athlete Needs a Sports Mouthguard

Mouthguards (or as we call them, sports mouthguards) are dental devices made of shock-resistant materials designed to protect your teeth during high-impact activities such as working out. contact sports, and collision sports. They come in three types: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-made versions.

Even though wearing mouth protection in sports during gameplay isn't mandatory, it's highly recommended to help prevent orodental injuries. One study reported that individuals are significantly more likely to sustain dental injuries when participating in sports. Another study among U.S. high school athletes revealed that most dental injuries occured when no mouthguard was worn. Together, these findings highlight the real risk of head and dental injuries in sports and emphasize the critical role of sports mouthguards in reducing them.

As a result, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends including a teeth protection for athletes to reduce the severity of injuries to your head and, most importantly, your teeth.

How ClearClub Can Protect Your Smile

If you're looking for a durable and reliable sports guard that doesn't require a dentist appointment, try ClearClub’s Sports Mouthguard. These custom-fit guards provide a strong cushion and shield during intense gameplay.

Made from FDA-approved, BPA-free, latex-free, and non-allergenic materials, they're molded to fit your teeth—unlike the one-size-fits-all guards you'll find in stores.

Since guards can accumulate bacteria over time, it’s important to keep them clean. You can add our Cleaning + Whitening Foam to your maintenance routine, or subscribe to our renewal plan to get fresh replacements delivered every 3, 4, or 6 months—right to your door.

Play harder, stay safer. Get your sports mouthguard today.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Do all athletes need a mouthguard, or just those in contact sports?

Sports mouthguards aren’t just for contact sport athletes. They’re also useful for those in non-contact activities like gymnastics, skateboarding, or mountain biking. The real purpose of a mouthguard is to protect your teeth from impact—whether it’s caused by a fall, flying equipment, or accidental contact.

❓ What kind of mouthguard is best for sports?

A custom sports mouthguard is the best type of mouthguard for athletes. Since it’s molded to fit your teeth, it stays securely in place and won’t interfere with your bite. These are important features to help keep your focus sharp and your performance smooth.

❓ How often should I replace my mouthguard?

A good rule of thumb is to replace your mouthguard every three to six months, depending on how often you use it and how well you maintain it. A worn-out or bacteria-filled guard won’t offer proper protection.

Looking for something else? Check our full FAQ section.