Can You Breathe, Talk and Drink With a Mouthguard?

Worried you won't be able to breathe, talk or drink with a mouthguard in? A well-fitted guard shouldn't stop you doing any of them. Here is what research says, why some guards feel worse than others, and how to get used to a custom guard.

Can you breathe with a mouthguard in?

Yes. Studies that measured breathing during hard exercise found little or no effect from a fitted guard:

• A 2011 study of 27 field hockey and water polo players found no significant difference in ventilation or oxygen uptake with two types of custom mouthguards compared with none, up to maximal effort.
• A 2020 study of 24 college lacrosse players tested boil-and-bite and custom guards. The differences in breathing and heart rate were negligible and of little practical significance.

Bulky guards are a different story. The ADA's MouthHealthy site says stock guards "can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult," and the ADA notes they need your mouth shut to stay in place. A custom guard is made on a model of your teeth, so it stays put without clenching.

Can you talk with a mouthguard?

Yes, though your speech will probably sound a bit different at first. In a 2024 study of 30 national rugby players who got custom-fitted guards, speaking difficulty and lisping dropped significantly over time. Speech measurements changed at first, then moved back toward normal, though not all the way.

A slimmer guard leaves your tongue more room. On our model comparison, NanoBite rates best for breathing and talking, Origin Pro better and Origin good. That's why we pick NanoBite for team sports where you call plays. See football, lacrosse and basketball.

Can you drink with a mouthguard in?

Usually, yes. A sports guard typically covers only the upper teeth, and a custom guard holds on without you biting down, so you can often take a sip of water without taking it out. If you take it out, keep it in a case, not on the bench, and rinse it in cool water before it goes back in. More in how to clean your mouthguard.

Why does my mouthguard make me gag?

Some athletes gag on a new guard at first, and it can ease with wear. In the rugby study, players' sense of nausea improved and leveled off after about a month. A guard that is too long at the back, bulky or loose can set off the gag reflex. With a custom guard:

• Origin has a Trim for Gag Reflex option when you build.
• If the fit isn't right, contact us. Our promise: if you're not 100% satisfied, we'll remake your guard or give you your money back.
• Don't cut it or heat it yourself. Heat can warp a guard out of shape.

More tips in how to stop a mouthguard from making you gag.

How to get used to a custom mouthguard

• Wear it in practice first, not for the first time on game day or fight night.
• Talk with it in. Call plays or read out loud for a few minutes to get your tongue used to it.
• Check the fit. The ADA says a good guard stays in place comfortably and securely. If yours rocks, slips or needs clenching to stay in, let us know. A good fit starts with following the impression guide step by step.

Which AlienGuard is most comfortable for your sport?

• Wrestling, BJJ and team sports: NanoBite ($94.99), our thinnest guard at 4 mm, for wrestling, BJJ, football, rugby, hockey, field hockey, basketball, lacrosse and soccer.
• Boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing: Origin Pro ($129.99), our more breathable 5 mm combat guard, or Origin (from $104.99).
• Lifting: PowerBite ($99.99).

Not sure? Compare all four models or read how thick a mouthguard should be.

Athletes with braces can get AlienGuards, but their dentist needs to take the impression instead of using our at-home kit, so the braces don't get damaged. The dentist can take an impression or 3D scan, then ship it to us or email it to impressions@alienguards.com. More in mouthguards with braces.

Ordering for a team, club or gym? Teams get 20% off every model, including NanoBite and PowerBite, with a minimum of 5, and we keep athletes' models on file for quick replacements. See team orders.

FAQ

Can you breathe with a mouthguard?

Yes. Studies of athletes exercising hard found no meaningful effect on breathing from fitted mouthguards. Bulky stock guards are the ones most likely to get in the way.

Can you talk with a mouthguard in?

Yes. Speech may sound a little different at first and usually gets easier with wear. Slimmer guards like NanoBite leave the most room.

Can you drink water with a mouthguard in?

Often, yes, because a custom guard stays on your upper teeth without you biting down. Rinse it before it goes back in if you take it out.

How long does it take to get used to a mouthguard?

It varies. In one study of rugby players, speaking difficulty dropped over the first weeks and the feeling of nausea leveled off after about a month.

More answers are in the FAQ. Ready? Shop all 4 models.