Rugby Mouthguards & Gum Shields

Mouthguard, Gum Shield, Gum Guard - All the Same Thing

Rugby has several names for the same piece of kit. Mouthguard, gum shield, gum guard, mouth guard and mouthpiece all refer to the same protective guard worn over the teeth and gums during play. The terminology varies by region, age group and brand - if you've searched for any of these terms, you're in the right place. Throughout this page we use mouthguard and gum shield interchangeably.

Boil and Bite vs Custom Fit Mouthguards

Boil and Bite

Boil and bite mouthguards are the standard across almost all rugby mouthguard brands. You place the guard in boiling water to soften it, bite down to create an impression of your teeth, and allow it to set. The result is a reasonable fit at a price point that makes sense for most club players. Entry and mid-level options from Opro, Safejawz and SISU all use this method.

Higher Tier Fit

More expensive mouthguards from the same brands use the same boil and bite process but claim a better level of fit through improved materials, thinner profiles and more precise moulding technology. SISU in particular market their remoulding technology as giving a closer, more adaptable fit than a standard boil and bite - the material can be reshaped multiple times rather than setting rigidly. Whether that justifies the price difference comes down to personal preference. For players who find standard mouthguards uncomfortable or bulky, the higher-tier options are worth trying. For junior players who replace mouthguards regularly as their teeth change, the entry-level boil and bite is the sensible choice.

Rugby Mouthguard Brands

We stock three specialist mouthguard brands, each with their own dedicated page.
Opro produce the most widely used mouthguard range in rugby - from entry-level boil and bite options through to the higher-tier Gold and custom ranges. Opro supply official mouthguards to several international unions. Browse the Opro mouthguard collection.

SISU produce thin, remoulding mouthguards that are popular with players who dislike the bulk of a standard guard. Their technology allows multiple remoulds and a very close fit. Browse the SISU mouthguard collection.

Safejawz produce a strong mid to high-end mouthguard range with a focus on design, protection and fit quality. Popular at club and semi-professional level. Browse the Safejawz mouthguard collection.

Rugby Mouthguards for Kids

Junior rugby mouthguards are smaller in profile than adult versions and are specifically shaped for younger, developing teeth. Most brands produce junior-specific sizes - Opro in particular have a comprehensive junior range covering different age groups. For young players just starting rugby, a boil and bite junior mouthguard is the right starting point. As they get older and their teeth are more settled, a better quality or custom fit option becomes worthwhile.
A mouthguard is one of the few pieces of equipment that is mandatory in rugby at all age groups. If your child plays competitive rugby, they need one.

Mouthguards for Players with Braces

Standard boil and bite mouthguards are difficult to fit properly over braces, and the pressure can damage the brace work. Opro produce specific braces-compatible mouthguards that accommodate orthodontic work without compromising protection. SISU's thin remoulding design also works reasonably well over braces given the flexibility of the material. If your child has braces and plays rugby, check the individual product pages for braces compatibility before ordering.