Understanding Mouthguards

Because you want to keep showing teeth when you smile.

Choosing a mouthguard is about more than ticking a box on your gear list. The right guard affects comfort, protection, breathing, and performance. Think of it like shoes: if they don’t fit properly, you’ll notice it with every step. The same principle applies here—especially the moment impact happens.

This guide walks you through the essentials: how to choose the right size, the differences between fitting methods, how to shape your mouthguard correctly, how to use it properly — including the difference between biting and chewing — and how to care for it so it lasts. Whether you’re new to sports or competing at an elite level, understanding these principles will help you protect both your teeth and your focus.

Size matters – choosing the right fit

Finding the correct size is the foundation for both comfort and protection. A guard that’s too small won’t cover your teeth properly and may feel tight, while one that’s too large can irritate the palate or shift on impact—like a helmet that moves when it should stay put.

Jaw development plays a key role. On average, females reach full jaw growth around 16, while males continue developing until about 21. Age-based size charts are useful starting points, but actual jaw size should guide your final choice.

Many brands use a simplified “under 10 / over 10” size split. At lobloo®, sizing is based on anatomical development: M (10–13 years) and L (14+), which more accurately reflects real jaw growth patterns.

A properly sized guard should cover all the front teeth and reach just far enough to include the second innermost molar on each side. The softer moulding material may flow up and reach part of the palate, helping the guard lock into place. The hard outer layer, however, should never press against the palate—it can cause discomfort and affect the fit negatively.

Chewing or Biting on a Mouthguard – Fit, Habits, and Durability

There is an important difference between biting and chewing on a mouthguard.

Light biting is normal and is often necessary to help the mouthguard stay correctly positioned in the mouth. In certain sports, such as weightlifting and powerlifting, mouthguards are also used to stabilize the jaw and support force output through controlled biting. This is controlled, static pressure — not chewing.

Chewing or gnawing on the mouthguard, however, should be avoided.

The purpose of a mouthguard is to absorb sudden impacts, not to be exposed to continuous mechanical stress caused by chewing. Repeated chewing may, over time, cause the material to wear down, lose its shape or — in layered designs — begin to separate.

This behavior can occur in adults, but is most common among younger athletes. Children between the ages of 8 and 12 often have limited ability to follow molding instructions precisely, especially when using vacuum-based fitting techniques.

When the fit is not sufficiently tight, the mouthguard may sit loosely in the mouth. In these situations, it is common for the child to unconsciously start chewing on the guard in order to keep it in position.

So how do you know if the mouthguard is functioning as intended?

As long as a clear dental impression has been formed and the mouthguard properly surrounds the teeth, it is normal to bite lightly to stabilize the guard and hold it in place. In this case, the mouthguard will still provide full protection.

For lobloo® vacuum-fit mouthguards, optimal results are achieved when vacuum-based fitting is combined with correct molding time, creating a tight, stable fit and a level of protection comparable to custom dentist-made mouthguards.

Fit – where the real difference lies

The way a mouthguard fits determines how well it performs.

Traditional boil & bite guards are shaped by the user’s bite and suction during heating. Many of these have limited moulding material, meaning they often don’t fully cover the teeth and jaw. Even with careful moulding, results can vary and the fit may be inconsistent.

lobloo® is the only brand using a modified vacuum-fit technique, combined with a specially developed moulding material. This method draws the material up and around the teeth and jaw in a controlled way, creating a thinner, more precise and locked-in fit that follows the dental structure more closely than traditional guards.

This technique was developed by studying the natural structure of the jaw, teeth and surrounding tissue, focusing on how the jaw distributes and absorbs impact. By applying these biological principles, lobloo® created a guard that fits like a natural extension of the dental structure, improves airflow and distributes force efficiently where the jaw is naturally strongest.

Fitting – why the method matters 

Even the best mouthguard won’t perform well if it’s poorly moulded. The fitting process determines whether the guard locks securely onto the teeth and supports optimal breathing and protection.

lobloo® uses a sensitive, high-precision moulding material designed to be heated for an exact amount of time in boiling water. Even if you’ve moulded traditional boil & bite guards before, it’s essential to carefully read and follow the included instructions. Our material and modified vacuum-fit technique behave differently from standard guards—and it’s precisely this level of accuracy that achieves a dentist-level fit at home.

Care and maintenance

A well-fitted mouthguard will last longer and stay hygienic if you care for it properly. Follow these simple steps:

• Rinse with cool water before and after use.
• Clean gently with a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste.
• Avoid hot water, which can deform the material.
• Store it in a ventilated case so it can dry completely.
• Replace your guard if it shows signs of wear or no longer fits securely.

Keep it cool and handy

High temperatures can deform your guard. Don’t leave it in direct sunlight or in the car. Keep it in a cool, dry place—ideally in a ventilated case. And remember: the best mouthguard is the one you actually have with you when it’s time to train or compete.

Summary

Choosing the right mouthguard comes down to four key factors:

Size – based on jaw development, not just simplified age categories.

Fit – with enough molding material and a technique that shapes it precisely to your dental structure.

Use – understanding the difference between biting and chewing, and using the mouthguard as intended to preserve both function and durability.

Care – proper maintenance to keep it hygienic and effective over time.

Understanding these basics turns your mouthguard from a generic piece of gear into a custom-fitted layer of protection that works with your anatomy, your habits, and your performance — not against them.

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An article by Usama Aziz

Olympian, European MMA Champion & Founder of lobloo®

Usama Aziz is a two-time Olympic wrestler, former European MMA Champion and founder of the Swedish protective gear brand lobloo®. He has extensive experience with elite-level performance and injury rehabilitation, both as an athlete and coach.