Best Youth Mouthguard for Wrestling: 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 mouthguard for wrestling is one that fits securely, feels comfortable, stays in place during contact, and is easy for athletes to wear throughout practice and competition. Game On® mouthguards are custom-fitted at home, made with ProFit™ material, available in youth sizes, and accepted by the American Dental Association.
Parents can also learn more about athletic mouthguard recommendations from the American Dental Association.
Key Takeaways
- Wrestling is a contact sport where accidental impact to the mouth can happen quickly.
- A wrestling mouthguard should be fitted, low profile, and comfortable enough to wear consistently.
- Game On® mouthguards use ProFit™ material for a thin, custom-fitted feel.
- Game On® mouthguards are remoldable, which is helpful for growing athletes and athletes with braces.
- Game On® mouthguards are easy to clean and come with a ventilated case for storage.
If you want your athlete to have the best youth mouthguard for wrestling, fit and comfort should come first. Wrestling is physical, fast, and full of close contact, so a mouthguard needs to stay in place without distracting your athlete on the mat.
Game On® worked with sports dentistry experts and athletes to develop a mouthguard that gives young wrestlers protection, comfort, and ease of use. Game On® was also the first mouthguard accepted by the ADA, helping parents choose a guard designed with dental safety in mind.
Game On® Mouthguard
Thin, fitted, remoldable, microwaveable, and designed for youth athletes in contact sports like wrestling.
Shop NowWhy Should My Athlete Wear a Youth Mouthguard for Wrestling?
Wrestling can be a great way for kids to develop self-confidence, sportsmanship, toughness, and camaraderie. Youth participation in wrestling has continued to grow, and more girls are joining the sport every year.
That growth is a good thing, but wrestling still comes with risk. Because it is a full-contact sport, accidental contact to the mouth can happen from elbows, knees, falls, takedowns, and scrambles.
A properly fitted youth wrestling mouthguard helps create a cushion between the teeth and soft tissue of the mouth. For parents, that makes a mouthguard one of the simplest pieces of protective gear to add to a young wrestler’s bag.
What Should the Best Youth Mouthguard for Wrestling Have?
The best youth mouthguard for wrestling should do more than sit in an athlete’s mouth. It should fit securely, feel comfortable, allow easier breathing, and stay in place during contact.
If a mouthguard is bulky or loose, a wrestler may chew on it, take it out, or avoid wearing it. That is why fit matters so much. Game On® mouthguards are made with ProFit™ material to create a thin, low-profile, custom-fitted feel without requiring a dental office visit.
The right mouthguard should also be easy to fit, easy to clean, and practical for a busy wrestling season.
Game On® vs. Traditional Boil-and-Bite Wrestling Mouthguards
Many traditional boil-and-bite mouthguards are thick, hard to mold, or uncomfortable for younger athletes. Game On® mouthguards are designed to be fitted at home using a simple microwave process.
| 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 |
| 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 Wrestling Mouthguard
Game On® mouthguards are easy to fit at home. If you are wondering how to mold your athlete’s guard, the process is simple:
- 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.
- Have them press the mouthguard gently against their teeth with their fingers.
- Have them close their lips and suck for about one minute to help create a snug fit.
You can also adjust the size of the mouthguard by trimming the rear edges or stretching the molar edges and repeating the fitting process. For more guidance, visit Game On’s official fitting instructions.
Why Low-Profile Fit Matters in Wrestling
Wrestlers need to breathe, listen to coaches, and stay focused during matches. A bulky mouthguard can become distracting, especially during intense scrambles, live wrestling, or conditioning.
Game On® mouthguards are designed with a thin, low-profile fit so athletes can keep their mouthguard in without feeling like it gets in the way. That comfort is important because a mouthguard only helps if the athlete actually wears it.
Best Youth Wrestling Mouthguard for Braces
If your wrestler has braces, a properly fitted mouthguard becomes even more important. Brackets and wires can increase the risk of cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue during impact.
Game On® mouthguards can be fitted for athletes with braces using a modified process. 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 guard form naturally around the orthodontics.
Game On® mouthguards are also remoldable, which is helpful after orthodontic adjustments or as a young athlete’s mouth changes over time.
How to Clean a Wrestling Mouthguard
Wrestling gear can get sweaty fast, so cleaning your athlete’s mouthguard matters. Game On® mouthguards are made with ProFit™ material, which does not absorb saliva or bacteria.
After each use, rinse the guard, clean 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, making maintenance easier for busy families.
A Mouthguard That Lets Wrestlers Show Their Style
While protection and comfort come first, style still matters. Game On® mouthguards come in a variety of colors so young wrestlers can choose a favorite color, team color, school color, or a look that fits their personality.
Game On® also offers customization options, including names, numbers, team names, flags, symbols, and different font choices. For athletes who want their gear to feel personal, that can make wearing a mouthguard feel more natural.
Youth Wrestling Mouthguard FAQ
What is the best youth mouthguard for wrestling?
The best youth mouthguard for wrestling is one that fits securely, feels comfortable, stays in place during contact, and is easy for the athlete to wear consistently. Game On® mouthguards are designed for a thin, custom-fitted feel.
Do wrestlers need mouthguards?
A mouthguard is a smart piece of protective gear for wrestling because accidental contact to the mouth can happen during takedowns, scrambles, falls, and close-contact movement.
How do you mold a Game On® mouthguard for wrestling?
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.
Can wrestlers with braces wear a Game On® mouthguard?
Yes. Wrestlers 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.
Can a Game On® mouthguard be remolded?
Yes. Game On® mouthguards are remoldable, which is useful for growing athletes, athletes with braces, or wrestlers whose fit changes during the season.
How do you clean a wrestling 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.
Final Recommendation
If you are looking for the best youth mouthguard for wrestling, choose one your athlete will actually wear. Game On® mouthguards are thin, fitted, remoldable, easy to clean, and designed for contact sports like wrestling.