Best Youth Hockey Mouthguard: What Parents Should Look For
The Game On Advantage
Last updated: May 2026
Written by: Dr. Monroe Elkin, BS PHARM., DMD
Quick Answer
The best youth hockey mouthguard is one that stays securely in place during shifts, checks, falls, stick contact, puck contact, and board collisions while still feeling comfortable enough for players to breathe, talk, and hydrate. Game On® mouthguards are custom-fitted at home, made with ProFit™ material, remoldable, easy to clean, available with or without a strap, and accepted by the American Dental Association.
Parents can learn more about athletic mouthguard recommendations from the American Dental Association.
Key Takeaways
- Hockey players can experience mouth impact from sticks, pucks, falls, checks, boards, and collisions.
- A youth hockey mouthguard should fit securely, feel comfortable, and stay in place throughout a game or practice.
- Game On® mouthguards use ProFit™ material for a custom-fitted, low-profile feel.
- Game On® mouthguards are remoldable, which is helpful for growing athletes and athletes with braces.
- Game On® offers strapped and strapless options for different hockey players and equipment needs.
Game On® Mouthguards makes one of the best youth mouthguards for hockey. Mouthguards are an essential part of your athlete's safety equipment, and many youth ice hockey leagues require them.
Our custom-fit mouthguards provide several benefits that are unique to Game On®, making ours a strong option for youth hockey players from peewees all the way up to high school varsity athletes.
We worked with a team of sports dentistry experts to create a youth mouthguard that offers comfort, fit, and protection. Game On® mouth guards deliver low-profile comfort designed for the speed and physical contact of hockey.
Game On® Mouthguard
Thin, fitted, remoldable, microwaveable, and designed for youth athletes in contact sports like hockey.
Shop NowWhy Should My Child Wear a Youth Mouthguard for Hockey?
Wearing a mouthguard may help protect against a wide variety of painful and costly dental injuries. In the blink of an eye, a high stick, wild puck, fall, or collision into the boards can create an impact that affects your athlete's mouth.
Ice hockey is fast, physical, and unpredictable. Even with helmets, cages, and other protective equipment, a fitted mouth guard can still be an important piece of gear for young players.
It is important for players of all ages to wear a guard, and Game On® makes a strong youth mouth guard for hockey. In fact, Game On® was the first mouthguard in history to be ADA accepted.
What Problems Should the Best Youth Mouthguard for Hockey Address?
First and foremost, the best mouthguard for hockey should provide a secure and comfortable fit. A hockey player needs a guard that can stay in place through skating, shifts, contact, and bench communication.
Game On® guards are made with ProFit™ material. It is a flexible material that allows for a thin mouthguard without the bulky feel many athletes dislike. Other mouth guards often depend on thick material, which can make drinking, speaking, and breathing more difficult.
If a guard feels uncomfortable, athletes may fidget with it or avoid wearing it altogether. When your athlete has a comfortable mouthguard, they are more likely to wear it consistently. Game On® Mouthguards give kids a near-custom fit and are designed to let athletes speak clearly, breathe easily, and hydrate without hassle.
Game On® vs. Traditional Boil-and-Bite Hockey Mouthguards
Traditional boil-and-bite mouthguards can work for some players, but many young hockey athletes struggle with bulk, poor fit, or guards that are difficult to keep in place. Game On® mouthguards are designed for a thinner, more comfortable fit.
| Feature | Game On® Mouthguard | Traditional Boil-and-Bite Mouthguard |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting process | Microwaveable fit | Usually requires boiling water |
| Fit | Custom-fitted at home | Can feel bulky or loose if not molded correctly |
| Comfort | Thin, low-profile design | Often thicker and harder to keep in place |
| Hockey options | Available strapped or strapless | Varies by brand and model |
| Material | ProFit™ material | Varies by brand and model |
| Remoldable | Yes | Usually limited |
| Cleaning | Soap and water or dishwasher | Varies by brand and material |
| ADA accepted | Yes | Not always |
How to Mold a Youth Hockey Mouthguard
Game On® also goes above and beyond by making the fitting process simple. We listened carefully to feedback from players of all ages and their parents when creating a mouthguard that can be molded at home.
The fitting process requires only a wet paper towel, a microwave, and a bowl of cold water. Your athlete can have a custom-fitted youth mouthguard in just a few minutes.
- Wrap the Game On® mouthguard in a wet paper towel.
- Microwave it on HIGH for 30 seconds. Remove it carefully because it may be hot.
- Dip the still-wrapped mouthguard in cold water for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Place it in your athlete’s mouth and have them bite down gently.
- If your athlete does not have braces, have them press the guard gently against the front of their teeth.
- Have them close their lips and suck for about one minute to help create a snug fit.
If your child has dental work done, loses a baby tooth, or needs the fit adjusted, simply remold the guard. For more help, visit Game On’s official fitting instructions.
Best Youth Hockey Mouthguard for Braces
Game On® Mouthguards are also a strong option for hockey players with braces. No need to waste time and money on repeat trips for new guards whenever your child's braces get adjusted.
When fitting over braces, follow the heating and placement steps, but do not press the guard against the teeth or suck on it. Instead, have your athlete bite down gently and let the mouthguard form naturally around the orthodontics.
Because Game On® mouthguards are remoldable, your athlete can refit the guard after orthodontic adjustments, dental work, or changes in their mouth.
How to Clean a Hockey Mouthguard
Hockey gear can get sweaty fast, and mouthguards can get gross if they are not cleaned regularly. Aside from hygiene concerns, an improperly cleaned guard can also make kids less likely to put the guard back in their mouth.
Game On® mouthguards are made with ProFit™ material, which does not absorb saliva or bacteria. If your child’s guard ends up at the bottom of their hockey bag, it can still be cleaned easily.
Rinse the guard, wash it with mild soap and water, let it dry, and store it in its ventilated case. Game On® mouthguards can also be cleaned in the dishwasher.
A Mouthguard That Fits Your Hockey Player’s Style
Game On® offers a wide range of customization options, allowing your athlete to create a cool mouthguard for hockey that they will be proud to wear on the ice.
Game On® Mouthguards come in strapped and strapless options in a rainbow of colors. Names and numbers can be printed on the guard in multiple fonts and colors, along with a range of symbols and flags.
Personalizing a mouthguard is a great way to get your athlete invested in the process and excited about wearing their mouth guard consistently.
Youth Hockey Mouthguard FAQ
What is the best youth hockey mouthguard?
The best youth hockey mouthguard is one that fits securely, feels comfortable, stays in place during fast play, and gives players the option to use a strapped or strapless design. Game On® mouthguards are designed for a thin, custom-fitted feel.
Do hockey players need mouthguards?
Many youth hockey leagues require mouthguards, and a mouthguard can be an important piece of protective gear because contact can happen from sticks, pucks, falls, checks, boards, and collisions.
Should a hockey mouthguard have a strap?
Some hockey players prefer a strapped mouthguard because it can attach to equipment, while others prefer a strapless guard. Game On® offers both options so athletes can choose what works best for them.
How do you mold a Game On® mouthguard for hockey?
Wrap the mouthguard in a wet paper towel, microwave it on HIGH for 30 seconds, dip it in cold water for 3 to 5 seconds, place it in the mouth, bite down gently, and create suction for about one minute if the athlete does not have braces.
Can hockey players with braces wear a Game On® mouthguard?
Yes. Hockey players with braces can wear a Game On® mouthguard by following the modified fitting process. Do not press the guard against the teeth or suck on it while fitting over braces.
How do you clean a hockey mouthguard?
Rinse the mouthguard after each use, wash it with mild soap and water, let it dry completely, and store it in a ventilated case. Game On® mouthguards can also be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Where Can I Buy Game On® Mouthguards for Youth Hockey?
If you want to give your athlete a comfortable, low-profile mouthguard for hockey, choose Game On®. Our durable, affordable guards are recommended and sold by dentists and designed to support players of all ages.
From cool customization options to our easy molding and remolding process, Game On® Mouthguards give you and your youth hockey player a wide range of advantages over many traditional mouthguards.
Game On Mouthguards are the first mouthguards accepted by the ADA (American Dental Association). We work with both dental professionals and athletes to create mouthguards that provide the protection hockey players need, the comfort players want, and the stylistic options that allow players to share their personality on the ice. Whether you are looking for the best youth hockey mouthguard for your child or searching for protective gear you can use yourself, please continue reading to learn more about what differentiates us from the competition.
Shop NowRep Your Team or Favorite Color
