The Best Mouth Guards for Field Hockey: A Comprehensive Guide
Field hockey is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport that requires not only skill and agility but also a keen focus on safety. One of the most crucial pieces of safety equipment in this sport is the mouth guard, also known as a gum shield. It serves as a protective barrier for the teeth, lips, and gums, absorbing and distributing the force of impacts that could otherwise result in serious injury. The importance of a mouth guard in field hockey cannot be overstated. It is an essential piece of gear that every player, from beginners to professionals, should wear during every practice and game.
Latest Trends in Gum Shields for Field Hockey
In recent years, the market for mouth guards has seen significant advancements. The best mouth guards for field hockey are no longer just simple pieces of plastic. They are now designed with advanced materials and technologies to offer superior protection, comfort, and durability. Some of the latest trends include custom-fit mouth guards that mold to the shape of your teeth for a secure and comfortable fit, and mouth guards with built-in channels for easier breathing and communication on the field. There are also mouth guards designed with antimicrobial properties to keep your gear fresh and clean.
How to Choose the Right Mouth Guard for Your Field Hockey Needs
Choosing the right mouth guard involves considering your specific needs and preferences. Here are some steps to guide you:
Determine the Right Size: Mouth guards come in different sizes, typically youth and adult. Choose a size that fits you comfortably and securely.
Consider the Material: Look for a mouth guard made of durable, medical-grade materials that can withstand high impact.
Custom Fit vs. Standard Fit: Custom fit mouth guards offer a personalized fit as they mold to your teeth. Standard fit ones, while less expensive, may not offer the same level of comfort and protection.
Check for Breathability: Some mouth guards feature air channels for easier breathing, which can be a significant advantage on the field.
Read Reviews: Check out reviews from other field hockey players to get a sense of the mouth guard’s performance and reliability.
The OPRO Instant Custom-Fit Mouth Guard is a top-notch product developed by a leading dentist and handmade by skilled technicians in the UK.
Featuring –
- Quick and Easy Fitting: The mouth guard offers a unique fitting process that takes less than 60 seconds, providing a perfect model of your teeth.
- Triple-Layer Construction: The mouth guard features a triple-layer construction for maximum protection, helping to dissipate shock waves from a blow and reducing the overall force.
- Comfortable Fit: The patented compression cage ensures a comfortable fit, making it easier for players to wear it for extended periods.
- Trusted by Professionals: The mouthguard is trusted by thousands of professional athletes worldwide, indicating its high quality and reliable performance.
This is a great option for use in Field Hockey. Just bare in mind that you should follow the product’s fitting instructions carefully. There are some reviews of the mouthguard riding up the edges of the gums if you bite down too hard during the fitting process.
A popular option for kids is the SISU Aero Mouth Guard. Made in the USA, SISU has three models to choose from, with the Aero being my pick for Field Hockey Juniors.
Featuring –
- Slim Design: At only 1.6mm thick, the SISU Aero is 50% thinner than conventional sports mouth guards. This ultra-light design offers maximum comfort and convenience.
- Custom Fit: The guard can be quickly and easily molded and remolded at home with hot water, ensuring a perfect fit.
- Improved Hygiene: The slim, custom fit makes it easy to talk, breathe, and drink without removing the guard, contributing to better hygiene.
- Diffusix Technology: This technology scientifically distributes impact forces from various sports, reducing the risk of dental injury.
This mouth guard requires careful molding to ensure a comfortable fit and proper protection. Some users have had to remold the guard multiple times to achieve the desired fit. Be sure to remember it is suitable for kids, not adults!
Available in both Adult and Junior sizes, the Shock Doctor Gel Max Mouthguard comes in both Flavored and Non-Flavored options.
Featuring –
- Comfort Fit: The new Gel-Fit liner is easy to fit and forms to teeth and gums, providing a comfortable fit for extended use.
- Maximum Protection: The heavy-duty exoskeletal shock frame provides incredible protection against even the hardest impacts.
- Breathability: The mouth guard features integrated breathing channels, making it easy to breathe and maximizing performance.
- Versatility: This mouth guard is suitable for all contact sports where a mouth guard is required or recommended, including field hockey.
As with most gum shields, pay particular attention to the molding process. However, some users have found the mouthguard to be a bit bulky, which may affect comfort and ease of speech.
Don't forget to get a proper Cover for your Mouth Guard
There is nothing worse than grabbing your bag on the way to the game and finding your mouthguard is grotty! There are plenty of covers available, and they’re quite cheap. This one below is a great option >>
The Future of Mouth Guards in Field Hockey: What to Expect
The future of mouth guards in field hockey is promising, with ongoing advancements in technology and design. We can expect to see even more innovative features, such as smart mouth guards that can track impacts and alert players and coaches to potential injuries. There will also likely be improvements in comfort and fit, with more options for customization. As these advancements continue, the best mouth guards for field hockey will become even more effective at protecting players and enhancing their performance on the field.
To Summarize
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when playing field hockey or any sport. Choosing the right mouth guard is a crucial step in protecting yourself and enjoying the game.
Eddie G
Eddie G, lives and breathes field hockey. In fact, he would go as far to say that he is a bit of a field hockey nut. He loves to research the latest trends and happenings in the game, so that he can stay ahead of the competition. While not so much on the pitch these days, Eddie enjoys reading up on the latest news and developments in the world of field hockey.
Eddie G
Eddie G, lives and breathes field hockey. In fact, he would go as far to say that he is a bit of a field hockey nut. He loves to research the latest trends and happenings in the game, so that he can stay ahead of the competition. While not so much on the pitch these days, Eddie enjoys reading up on the latest news and developments in the world of field hockey.
