Protecting Adult Players: Best Mouthguards for Combat & Contact Sports

Why Mouthguards Are Essential for Adult Players

Contact and combat sports aren’t just for children or teens – millions of adults across the UK take part in rugby, hockey, martial arts, boxing, MMA, lacrosse and other high-impact activities every week. While these sports are fantastic for fitness and discipline, they also carry a higher risk of oral injuries.

That’s why wearing the right mouthguards for combat and mouthguards for contact sport is absolutely essential. For adult players, a quality gumshield isn’t just about compliance – it’s about protecting your teeth, jaw and overall performance. At Mouthguards Direct, we specialise in boil-and-bite gumshields designed for adults and children across a wide range of sports. Affordable, easy to fit and available in bulk, our products make it simple for players, clubs and coaches to stay protected.

The Risks of Playing Without a Mouthguard

Combat and contact sports expose players to direct blows, collisions and unpredictable movements. Without adequate mouth protection, adult players risk:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Damage to the gums, lips or tongue
• Jaw injuries
• Longer recovery times after minor impacts

The British Orthodontic Society state that dentists are lobbying for mandatory mouthguards to be used for training and competition in contact sports. For adults, the stakes are often high: dental injuries can disrupt work and cost time and money to repair. A well-fitting gumshield could significantly reduce the severity of impact, keeping players safer and more confident on the pitch or in the ring.

Why Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards Are Ideal for Adult Players

Professional fighters and club players alike need practical, affordable protection. That’s where boil-and-bite mouthguards excel.

Unlike custom-fitted options that can be expensive and time-consuming, boil-and-bite gumshields:

• Fit at home in minutes using hot water
• Are re-mouldable, perfect for players who want to adjust the fit
• Provide a secure, comfortable barrier against impact
• Offer reliable protection at a fraction of the cost

For clubs and teams, boil-and-bite mouthguards also make sense because they’re easy to store, distribute and replace. Whether you’re managing a boxing gym, rugby squad or martial arts class, they’re a smart, scalable choice.

Mouthguards for Combat Sports

Combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, MMA, judo and taekwondo involve a high risk of direct facial impact. A correctly fitted mouthguard for combat is essential not only to protect the teeth and gums but also to reduce shock to the jaw during strikes.

When selecting a mouthguard for combat sports:

• Choose a senior size for adult players
• Ensure it can be moulded for a snug fit
• Look for a design that allows clear breathing and communication during training or competition

Mouthguards for Contact Sport

Contact sports – such as rugby, hockey, American football, lacrosse and basketball – carry different impact risks but still demand reliable protection. A well-designed mouthguard for contact sport cushions collisions, protects teeth from sticks or elbows, and can even help reduce the severity of concussions by absorbing some of the force.

Adult players benefit from:

• Flexible materials that mould to the teeth
• A design that stays in place during high-intensity movement
• Easy remoulding if the fit needs adjustment

Bulk Buying for Clubs and Gyms

If you run a club, gym or sports department, you’ll know how important it is to have mouthguards available for every participant. Buying individually can be expensive and time-consuming.

Our bulk packs of gumshields make it easy to:

• Equip an entire team or class
• Keep spare gumshields on hand for new members or replacements
• Offer affordable protection as part of a membership or kit package

We supply packs of 10 and 100, making it simple to stock up for a season or event. With a range of colours and both junior and senior sizes, you can match your stock to your players’ needs.

How to Fit a Boil-and-Bite Mouthguard

Fitting a mouthguard for combat or contact sport at home is straightforward:

1. Boil a kettle and pour the hot water into a heatproof container.

2. Submerge the gumshield for the recommended time (usually 10–20 seconds).

3. Allow it to cool for a second or two, then bite down gently to mould it to your teeth.

4. Use your fingers and tongue to press it into place for a tight fit.

5. Place the gumshield in cold water to set the shape.

The process can be repeated if adjustments are needed.

Features of Our Senior Mouthguards

All our adult mouthguards are:

• Made from durable, impact-absorbing material
• Supplied with an antibacterial storage case for hygiene
• Easy to mould and remould as required
• Available in packs for individual or bulk orders
• Manufactured in the UK to high quality standards

We focus on making protection affordable and accessible for players, coaches and clubs.

When to Replace a Mouthguard

Adult players should regularly check their gumshield for signs of wear or damage. Replace your mouthguard if:

• It becomes loose or uncomfortable
• There are visible tears or cracks
• It no longer moulds to your teeth properly

Having a spare ready to go is always a good idea – especially during tournaments or intensive training.

These Articles May Also Interest You:

Bulk Mouthguards: Smart Solutions for Clubs, Coaches & Schools

Why Mouthguards for Sports Are Essential for Safety and Performance

How Boil and Bite Mouthguards Help Prevent Injuries in Contact and High-Impact Sports

Affordable, Reliable Protection for Adult Players

Whether you’re stepping onto the rugby pitch, into the boxing ring or onto the hockey field, wearing the right mouthguard is essential. Mouthguards for combat and mouthguards for contact sport don’t need to be complicated or expensive. With our senior boil-and-bite gumshields, adult players and clubs can enjoy reliable, comfortable protection that’s easy to fit and easy to replace. Explore our full range of senior mouthguards for combat and contact sports today. Order individually or in bulk to keep your players protected all season long.