Mouthguard
A moulded guard worn over the teeth in contact and combat sports.
Overview
A mouthguard is a soft, moulded piece that fits over the teeth and is worn during contact and combat sports. Many types are shaped to the wearer’s teeth for a closer, more comfortable fit.
It is common protective equipment in sports with a high chance of contact to the face, such as boxing, rugby and martial arts.
Good to know
- Fitted types mould closely to the wearer’s teeth.
- Common in boxing, rugby and martial arts.
- Also called a gum shield in some countries.
Where it’s used
Sports that use mouthguard:
Boxing
A striking combat sport built on footwork, timing and conditioning, practised from fitness drills to controlled sparring.
Rugby
A physical team sport of carrying, passing and kicking an oval ball toward the opposing line.
Mixed Martial Arts
A combat sport that blends striking and grappling from several disciplines into one all-round skill set.
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Learning paths
Disciplines
- KumiteKumite is the sparring discipline of karate, in which two athletes exchange controlled strikes and kicks under judged rules.
- Sparring (Kyorugi)Kyorugi is taekwondo's competitive sparring discipline, where two athletes score points by landing controlled kicks and punches on legal target areas within timed rounds.
- Gravel CyclingGravel cycling is riding and racing on unpaved roads and mixed surfaces on a drop-bar bike, often over long distances and self-supported.
- Sprint (Flatwater)Sprint kayaking is flatwater racing over short, standardized distances in marked lanes, rewarding explosive speed and sustained boat-moving power.
- Sea Kayaking (Touring)Sea kayaking is touring open water in longer, storage-equipped boats, emphasizing efficient paddling, navigation, and endurance over distance.
Sport categories
Exercises
Goals
- Build muscleChallenge your muscles with regular resistance training and steady recovery to build strength over time.
- Improve flexibilityLengthen your muscles and widen your range of motion through regular, gentle stretching over time.
- Build confidenceUse sport and steady progress to feel more capable, comfortable and self-assured over time.