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Junior or Senior Mouthguards: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
Junior and Senior Mouthguards: What’s the Difference?
At Mouthguards Direct, we offer a range of boil-and-bite mouthguards in both junior and senior sizes. In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between the two, explain which sports require them, and help you make the right choice for your child or team.
Why Mouthguard Size Matters
Junior Mouthguards: Who Are They For?
- Primary school children
- Early secondary school students
- Children with smaller jaws and developing teeth
- Sit comfortably over the upper teeth
- Allow the child to speak and breathe easily
- Not cause gagging or soreness
Because children’s mouths change as they grow, boil-and-bite gumshields are a practical choice—they can be remoulded if needed and replaced affordably without sacrificing safety.
Senior Mouthguards: Who Needs Them?
- Secondary school students
- College and university athletes
- Amateur and professional adult players
- The user has all their adult teeth
- They are aged 13+ or have a larger jaw
- They participate in contact or combat sports at a high-intensity level
At Mouthguards Direct, our senior range is suitable for everything from school rugby to adult martial arts and boxing clubs. Like the junior range, they are boil-and-bite, making them easy to fit at home and comfortable for regular use.
What Sports Require Mouthguards?
Mouthguards aren’t only for boxing. Many contact and fast-paced sports recommend or require gumshields for players of all ages. These include:
Combat Sports
- Boxing
- MMA
- Kickboxing
- Taekwondo
- Judo
Team and Contact Sports
- Rugby
- Hockey
- American football
- Lacrosse
- Basketball
Other Sports with Collision Risks
- Skateboarding
- Horse riding
- Cricket (wicketkeepers or close fielders)
- Gymnastics (some disciplines)
In schools, rugby and hockey are the two most common sports where mouthguards are part of the required PE kit. Most school guidelines will specify when children must wear them—and many local clubs adopt similar safety rules.
A Quick Size Comparison: Junior vs Senior
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Always check how the mouthguard fits after moulding—if it slips, rubs or feels too large, it may be the wrong size.
How to Fit a Boil-and-Bite Mouthguard
- Boil water and pour it into a heatproof container.
- Submerge the mouthguard for 10–20 seconds (as per instructions).
- Let it cool slightly, then place in the mouth and bite down gently.
- Use fingers to press the guard into the teeth and gums.
- Remove and place in cold water to set the shape.
The process can be repeated if the fit isn’t quite right the first time.
Bulk Buying for Schools and Clubs
- PE departments stocking up for term time
- Rugby and hockey coaches preparing for match season
- Martial arts clubs offering starter packs to new members
Ordering a mix of both sizes ensures you’re covered across all age groups, and our boil-and-bite design keeps fitting simple and consistent for every player.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard: Final Tips
- Don’t size up too early – a senior mouthguard won’t work properly in a small mouth
- Check fit regularly – especially if the wearer is still growing or has braces
- Replace the mouthguard if it becomes loose, torn or loses shape
- Keep a spare in the kit bag or locker for emergencies
Whether you’re shopping for your child, kitting out a team or managing a school sports programme, choosing the right size mouthguard ensures players stay protected and confident.