Technical sheet - Mouthguard
- Définition
- What types of mouthguards?
- Special mouthguards
- Mouthguard brands
- How to mold your mouthguard?
- FAQ
- Comparative table
- Download the Rugby Mouthguard advice guide in PDF format
The search for the right mouthguard is often like starting a decathlon because the offer is so large and varied: junior or senior, for dental braces or not, how to mold them, up to what age should you get braces for children...
So many questions you can ask yourself and which we will answer in this complete mouthguard guide:
Définition : what is a mouthguard?
The rugby mouthguard protects the upper arch from blows. It is generally made of orthodontic Corflex. Almost all mouthguards sold commercially are heat-moldable, meaning you have to boil them in water and then adapt them to your teeth.
There are also custom-made mouthguards made by a dentist, which are much more expensive because they adapt perfectly to your teeth. In terms of protection, a study carried out in Australia shows that thermoformable mouthguards are as effective as custom-made ones. This same study concluded that wearing a mouth guard, regardless of make or model, is a simple and effective way to prevent injuries in rugby players and should be recommended for all players during training and the games.
The wearing of mouthguards has become widespread in rugby and has become compulsory in most rugby schools.
Like all rugby equipment, the mouth guard is regulated by World Rugby Regulation 12. To be sure that the mouthguard you buy is compliant, check that it bears the mention and/or the stamp "IRB approved", "Approved World Rugby".
Mouthguards sold in France must also bear the “CE” label.
To simplify your work, all the models sold in ourmouth guard shop rugby have received CE approval.

What are the different kinds of mouthguards?
What is the difference between an inexpensive mouthguard and a model costing more than €30? In general, it is the quality and resistance of the material that changes. For example, in high-end mouthguards you have a gel which helps absorb blows more effectively. Low-cost mouthguards are therefore more suitable for rugby schools where the blows are less severe.
A mouthguard wears out and its protective qualities deteriorate over time. It is therefore recommended to change children's mouthguards every 6 months. A good quality adult mouthguard can last up to 2 years.
A good mouthguard must meet several criteria :
- insulation of lips and teeth,
- lhas stability,
- retention,
- protection from tooth-dental shocks,
- The possibility of being able to communicate, breathe and swallow with your mouthguard,
- It meets the technical and safety standards imposed by the IRB.
Special mouth guards
-
- In rugby we use a simple mouthguard which is applied to the upper teeth but it is not forbidden to wear a protège-dents double as for combat sports such as boxing.
-
- If your child has braces on their teeth, take a model adapted for dental appliance -orthodontic - as in the photo below.

Which brands offer approved mouthguards?
There are 3 major brands offering a wide range of mouthguards, approved by World Rugby for playing rugby: OPRO, Shock Doctor et Gilbert.
Video how to properly mold your mouthguard:
Tips for thermomolding
- Immerse your mouthguard for about 60 seconds (This may vary depending on the model; read the instructions carefully) in boiling water. (Using a large spoon, for example, to avoid burning yourself!)
–When the time is up, take them out and dip them for 2 seconds in cold water so as not to scald your mouth!
– Insert your mouthguard into your mouth and clench your teeth for 20 seconds (may vary depending on the model.
- Depending on the model, you can re-mold your mouthguard several times until the final result suits you..
Mouthguard FAQ
– Which mouthguard for my 10 year old son?
Depending on the model, the mouthguards are offered in one size or in 2 sizes (junior and senior). In this case, it is specified on our product sheets up to what age you should take a child size. Depending on the models and brands this ranges from 7 to 12 years.
– My child still has baby teeth, do I need a mouthguard?
Yes, mouthguards also protect baby teeth! And then it also protects the gum which will accommodate the future permanent tooth.
– What is the difference between thermoformable models and others?
Ready-to-use models are practical because you don't always have a basin of hot water at hand, but otherwise thermoformable models allow you to better fit your teeth... don't be afraid, more and more models allow you to be remolded if you messed up the first time.
– How to care for a mouthguard?
Simply with clean water after each use. For hygiene purposes, however, it is advisable to change them regularly.
– Can you re-mold a mouthguard when you made a mistake the first time?
It depends on the models. This is specified in our product sheets when this is the case. To help you, you can watch the video above but be careful, read the instructions sold with each mouthguard because although the procedure is common to all models, the durations may vary from one model to another.
– Why are there so many price differences?
The price depends on the materials used and the performance of the product such as the presence of gel which will cushion the blows. Additionally, on average, you will keep premium mouthguards longer.
Comparison guide to rugby mouthguards
Models |
Brands |
Reference |
Tailles |
Colors disponibles |
Pour |
Thermo- |
Latex Free |
CE standard |
Our opinion |
||
Child |
Adult |
Unique |
|||||||||
OPRO |
OP400 |
✓ | - | - | 4 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
GILBERT |
8551850 |
✓ | ✓ | - | Tricolore | ❌ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
Shock Doctor |
6303 |
- | - | +11 | Rose | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
OPRO |
OP800 |
- | - | +7 | 4 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
GILBERT |
85517+ |
- | - | +10 | 3 | ❌ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
OPRO |
OP2200-FR |
- | - | +10 | Tricolore | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
Shock Doctor |
4100 |
✓ | - | - | Bleu | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
OPRO |
OP2000 |
- | - | +10 | 4 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
OPRO |
OP200B |
✓ | ✓ | +11 | 4 | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
GILBERT |
8551870 |
✓ | ✓ | - | 1 | ❌ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
OPRO |
OP2200-usa |
✓ | ✓ | +10 | 1 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
OPRO |
OP900 |
- | - | +7 | 3 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
GILBERT |
85524+ |
✓ | ✓ | - | 3 | ❌ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
GILBERT |
85512+ |
- | - | +7 | 3 | ❌ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
GILBERT |
8551+ |
✓ | ✓ | - | 5 | ❌ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
Shock Doctor |
8801 |
✓ | ✓ | - | Noir | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
OPRO |
OP500 |
- | - | +7 | 7 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
Shock Doctor |
4701 |
- | ✓ | - | 1 | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
OPRO |
OP2200-NZ |
- | - | +10 | 1 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
FORCE XV |
fxvoptimal |
✓ | - | - | 1 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
Shock Doctor |
6103 |
- | ✓ | - | 1 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
Shock Doctor |
6153 |
✓ | - | - | 1 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
OPRO |
OP200 |
✓ | ✓ | - | 7 | ❌ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
GILBERT |
8551 |
✓ | ✓ | - | 3 | ❌ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
OPRO |
OP300 |
- | - |
+7 |
❌ | ✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ |
||
GILBERT |
85517+ |
✓ | ✓ | - | 4 | ❌ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
OPRO |
OP600 |
✓ | - | - | 4 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ |
Some explanations on the methodology used to construct this comparative table of mouthguards. The first 3 columns present the name of the model, the brand and its reference.
Then we tell you if the mouthguard is suitable for children, adults or if it is offered in one size and in this case, from what age.
Some models are available in several colors allowing you to coordinate the color of the mouthguard with your other equipment.
Since mouthguards for braces are very specific, we also indicate this in this table.
Some people being allergic to latex, it seemed important to point out its presence or name in the composition.
All of the mouth guards we sell are CE compliant.
The opinion we place on each model is based on several criteria, including price, quality, but also originality and practicality.
We wanted this mouthguard guide to be concise and you will not find certain criteria common to all models such as the presence of a tunnel to facilitate breathing or compliance with World Rugby regulations.
If you still have questions about rugby mouthguards, you can contact our experts via online chat or email. You will also find further information on the mouthguard website
Our offer of rugby mouthguards approved by the IRB / World Rugby