4 Tips To Getting Your Players To Stop “Losing” Their Mouthguards

Mouthguards are a required piece of equipment for the majority of organized sports; so much so that teams may be penalized for not wearing them, or even for wearing them improperly. So why does it seem like your players are losing them at an exponential rate?

Sometimes they’re dropped on the field and an athlete doesn’t care to pick it up and use it because it’s dirty. Other times players just simply don’t want to wear them, so they “forget” it in their locker or at home. When a piece of equipment is generic yet mandatory, athletes tend to take a negative approach to that piece of gear; even forgoing it altogether.

Here are four simple tips to keep your athletes from “losing” their mouthguards, making sure they wear them and understanding why they ditch them in the first place.

1. Comfort

The most common reason for an athlete to “lose” their mouthguard is comfort; or more accurately, a lack there of.

When it comes to your players’ comfort, it’s all about customization. Mass produced mouthguards that aren’t customized to the athlete’s individual mouth typically have a uniform thickness all the way around, making the guard bulky in areas where comfort is more important than protection. And when a mouthguard is uncomfortable, chances are it does not get worn.

With custom mouthguards, your players won’t just get the most protective mouthguard possible, but the most comfortable as well. And like most athletic equipment, when your players know they’re getting “the best available,” they are more likely to comply with wearing them.

2. Value

Similarly, when your players value a piece of team gear — like they do their jerseys and warm-ups — they not only wear it, but take pride in it.

Jerseys, helmets and sneakers are rarely left behind on the field; but you’ve likely found a number of chewed up pieces of rubber littered about after games. That’s because athletes simply don’t place any value on generic boil-and-bite mouthguards.

With a completely personalized mouthguard — from color and logo to name and number — your athletes don’t just get another piece of equipment, but a new item of team gear they value as much as their jersey.

3. Safety

This past offseason, the NFL made knee and thigh pads mandatory for all players. Predictably, there was some backlash from players who didn’t see a reason for the mandate.

Many athletes don’t know why they have to wear some of the equipment that’s required by their league’s governing body. For example, mouthguards are sometimes seen as an inconvenience and something only meant to protect the teeth. But the truth is mouthguards play an integral role in reducing the impact of a hit to the jaw or chin.

Make sure your team understands the importance of protecting themselves and why each piece of equipment they wear is necessary.

4. Habits

Practice is a highly important tool to your team, because it allows your players to prepare for the upcoming challenge, comprehend the game plan and reiterate muscle memory of plays and schemes. But practice is also a means to instilling good habits.

Players are supposed to wear their full uniform and pads to practice to keep them safe, sure; but they also wear their full uniform and pads to practice because practice conditions should mirror game conditions. That doesn’t mean simply wearing their equipment, but wearing it properly.

Promoting good habits during practice encourages those same habits at game time. And that goes a long way to teaching your players not to lose their mouthguards.

Speaking of good habits, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you — our coaches, athletic trainers, parents and athletes — for letting us be a part of your family. Whether it’s in the locker room before a game, helping you complete your game face or on the field, helping to protect you when it matters most; we’re grateful for playing a major role in your protection, comfort and performance.

Wishing you and your team a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season. And as always, a winning season!

Make your holiday season a winning season with custom mouthguards from Gladiator, the industry-leader in custom mouthguards.

Stop Losing Mouthguards, Start Winning Games