6 Best Mouthguards For Competitive Hockey That Athletic Trainers Trust

You’re at the rink, watching your player skate hard into the corner, and for a split second, they disappear behind a tangle of sticks and bodies. Your breath catches until you see them pop back out, chasing the puck down the ice. In that moment, you’re reminded that every piece of gear in that heavy bag serves a critical purpose, and none more so than the humble mouthguard.

Why a Quality Guard is Non-Negotiable in Hockey

It’s easy to think of a mouthguard as just a barrier for teeth. But its job is so much bigger. A well-fitted, high-quality mouthguard absorbs and disperses the force from a direct impact, which can help reduce the severity of injuries to the jaw, face, and even the brain.

Think of it as a crucial part of their helmet system. For a young player just moving into full-contact hockey around ages 9-10, the game gets faster and more physical. A bulky, ill-fitting guard they have to constantly clench is a distraction they can’t afford. For the more competitive Bantam or Midget player (ages 13-16), where the force of impact is significantly higher, a flimsy piece of plastic simply isn’t enough.

The real goal is to find a guard they will wear correctly, every single time, without thinking about it. That means it must fit snugly on the upper teeth and not fall out when they open their mouth to breathe or call for a pass. This isn’t an area to skimp; the right mouthguard provides protection and, just as importantly, the confidence for your player to compete without hesitation.

SISU Aero: Maximum Comfort and Communication

Does your player constantly complain that their mouthguard is too bulky? Do you see them take it out on the bench just to get a full breath or talk to a teammate? The SISU Aero is often the answer athletic trainers recommend for these exact scenarios.

Its design is radically different from traditional guards. At only 1.6mm thick, it’s incredibly lightweight and has a snug, custom-like fit. The most noticeable feature is the perforations throughout the material. These holes are engineered to help absorb impact while also allowing for a more natural flow of air and saliva, making it much easier to breathe, drink, and talk with the guard in.

This makes the SISU Aero a fantastic choice for players who are sensitive to a gag reflex or for those in leadership positions who need to communicate clearly on the ice. It’s an ideal step-up for the committed Peewee (11-12) or Bantam (13-14) player who understands the need for protection but demands maximum comfort and performance.

Shock Doctor Gel Max for Classic, Trusted Safety

If there’s one mouthguard you’ve seen in nearly every hockey shop, it’s the Shock Doctor Gel Max. This is the workhorse of mouth protection, trusted for years by coaches and trainers for its straightforward, effective design and reliable performance. It’s a go-to for a reason.

The key is its multi-layer construction, featuring a soft inner gel liner that molds tightly to the teeth for a secure and comfortable fit. This is encased in a more rigid outer frame designed to absorb and deflect impact away from the point of contact. This combination provides a feeling of substantial protection that many players find reassuring.

The Gel Max is an excellent choice for players entering their first years of contact hockey, typically at the Squirt (9-10) or Peewee (11-12) levels. It delivers a high level of protection at a very accessible price point, which is perfect for a player whose bite may still be changing from season to season. It’s a proven performer that balances safety and value perfectly.

OPRO Gold: Official Protection for USA Hockey

When you see a piece of equipment is the official choice of the sport’s governing body, it gives you immediate confidence. The OPRO Gold mouthguard is the official mouthguard of USA Hockey, which means it has been vetted at the highest levels for its safety and performance standards.

OPRO’s signature feature is its patented "fin" technology. During the boil-and-bite fitting process, these soft, gel-like fins compress and mold around every contour of the player’s teeth, creating a highly retentive, near-custom fit. This unique design ensures the guard stays locked in place during intense play.

This level of fit and protection makes the OPRO Gold ideal for the serious travel or club player. When your child is on the ice multiple times a week for practices and games at the Bantam (13-14) level and above, investing in superior protection is a smart move. It provides the security of a custom-fit guard without the much higher price tag.

Gladiator Pro for a Perfect, Custom Lab Fit

For the highly dedicated player, especially at the high school or AAA level, a custom-fit mouthguard made in a dental lab is the gold standard. Gladiator is a leader in this space, providing a professional-grade product directly to families. This is the ultimate investment in your player’s safety.

The process is simple but precise. Gladiator sends you an at-home impression kit, you take a mold of your player’s teeth, and you mail it back. A dental technician then fabricates a mouthguard that is a perfect match for your player’s unique dental anatomy. The result is unparalleled comfort, zero interference with breathing or speaking, and a guard that simply will not fall out.

This is not a beginner’s mouthguard. The cost and custom nature make it best for:

• High-commitment players (Bantam, Midget, High School) whose facial structure is more stable.
• Players with braces, as the guard is specifically made to fit over the orthodontics without compromising protection or comfort.
• Any player for whom a standard boil-and-bite guard has consistently failed to provide a secure fit.

Battle Oxygen for Added Lip and Face Protection

You’ve seen it—the errant high stick or deflected puck that catches a player right in the mouth. While a standard mouthguard protects the teeth, the Battle Oxygen is designed with an integrated lip shield to protect against cuts and bruises to the lips and surrounding area.

The most prominent feature is the large central breathing hole, which the brand claims delivers more oxygen to the muscles for better performance. While that claim is for you to judge, what is undeniable is that the design allows for effortless breathing, which can be a huge advantage during a grueling shift.

This style is a matter of player preference, but it’s an excellent option for players who are a bit hesitant about physical play around their face or for those who have had a previous dental or facial injury. It provides an extra layer of protection and confidence, and for many younger players, the aggressive look is a big part of the appeal.

Under Armour ArmourFit: A Solid All-Around Pick

Sometimes you just want a reliable, no-fuss piece of equipment from a brand you already know and trust. The Under Armour ArmourFit mouthguard fits that bill perfectly. It’s a fantastic all-around option that delivers solid protection and comfort without being overly specialized.

The ArmourFit is known for being low-profile and strapless, providing a sleek fit that doesn’t feel bulky. It’s made from a durable, chew-resistant material that is easy to boil and mold for a secure fit. It strikes a great balance, offering more substance than an ultra-thin model but less bulk than a traditional gel guard.

This is a great mouthguard for the multi-sport athlete. If your hockey player also plays football or lacrosse in the off-season, the ArmourFit is versatile enough to serve them well in all their activities. It’s a durable and dependable choice for the intermediate player who needs quality gear that can keep up with them.

Fitting and Care for Your Player’s Mouthguard

A $50 mouthguard with a poor fit is less effective than a $20 one that is molded perfectly. The single most important step is the fitting process. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly—don’t rush it. Pay close attention to the water temperature and timing, and make sure your child uses both finger pressure and suction to create a deep, tight mold.

Proper care is simple but essential for hygiene and longevity. Teach your player to rinse their mouthguard with cold water after every single use. It should be stored in a ventilated, protective case—not tossed into the bottom of their grimy hockey bag to collect bacteria. Once a week, give it a gentle scrub with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or a specialized mouthguard cleaner.

Finally, know when to replace it. Inspect the guard regularly for any signs of tearing, thinning, or damage. For a growing child, especially one losing teeth or undergoing orthodontic work, you should plan on a new mouthguard at the start of every season to ensure a proper and safe fit. This is one piece of gear you never try to "get one more year out of."

Ultimately, the best mouthguard is the one your player will wear correctly every time they step on the ice. By matching the right guard to their age, level of play, and personal comfort, you’re not just protecting their smile—you’re giving them the confidence to play their best. It’s a small investment that pays off every single shift.