Field Hockey Mouthguards: Choosing a Custom Guard
Field hockey is fast, low and full of hard objects: a solid ball, sticks swinging at knee-to-face height and collisions in the circle. Mouthguards are required in U.S. high school and college field hockey, and the American Dental Association (ADA) lists hockey (ice and field) among the contact sports where it recommends a properly fitted mouthguard. This guide covers the rules, how to choose a guard you'll actually keep in, why we recommend NanoBite, and how teams order.
Do field hockey players have to wear a mouthguard?
In U.S. school and college play, yes. According to the ADA, the NFHS (high school) and NCAA (college) mandate mouthguards in field hockey, as well as football, ice hockey and lacrosse. Club, youth and adult leagues set their own equipment rules, so check with yours. For NFHS Rule 1-6-1, NCAA Modification 8.1 and citations, see field hockey mouthguard rules.
Why it matters
- Teeth: a 2019 meta-analysis cited by the ADA found mouthguard users were 82% to 93% less likely to suffer dentofacial injuries.
- Lips and cheeks: a guard keeps your teeth away from soft tissue when a ball or stick connects.
- What it doesn't do: prevent concussions. The ADA calls that evidence mixed; see do mouthguards prevent concussions?
Stock, boil-and-bite or custom?
The ADA calls stock guards the least effective type, because they fit poorly and need you to keep your mouth shut to hold them in. Boil-and-bite guards fit better if they're molded carefully. Custom guards are made from an impression of your teeth, and the ADA says many consider them the most protective option. In field hockey, where you sprint and call for the ball all game, a bulky guard tends to come out between plays, and a guard in your hand protects nothing. More in custom vs. boil-and-bite and how much a custom mouthguard costs.
Our pick for field hockey: NanoBite
NanoBite ($94.99) is our thinnest guard at 4 mm and the best of our models for breathing and talking. Field hockey is on its Best-for list alongside ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, rugby, football, wrestling and BJJ.
- Base colors: Clear, White or Black.
- Custom text: up to 3 characters, like your number or initials.
- Extras: Impression Storage keeps your model on file and takes 20% off future reorders. Expedited Lab Service (3 Day) is available if the season is close.
See the NanoBite collection or compare all models. Our 5 mm guards, Origin and Origin Pro, are made for boxing, MMA and other combat sports with heavy, direct strikes. More on thickness: how thick should a mouthguard be?
Braces and youth players
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. There is no age limit, but younger players' teeth are still changing, so plan to replace their guard more often. See mouthguards for kids and youth athletes and wearing a mouthguard with braces.
Ordering for a team or club
Teams, clubs and schools get 20% off every model, including NanoBite and PowerBite, with a minimum order of 5 mouthguards, and we can keep athletes' models on file for quick replacements (minimum order; athletes 14+ without braces). Match your team colors with mouthguard colors for team uniforms, then start with team orders.
How ordering works
- Build and order. Pick your base color and custom text. We ship you an impression kit.
- Take your impression. Follow the impression guide at home; it takes about 10 minutes. Email us a photo, then mail it back.
- We make it. We pressure-form your guard on a model of your teeth and finish it by hand in the USA, within 10–14 business days after we receive a good impression, then ship it with tracking. See how long a custom mouthguard takes.
Field hockey mouthguard FAQ
Is a mouthguard required in field hockey?
In U.S. high school (NFHS) and college (NCAA) field hockey, yes. Other leagues set their own rules.
Which AlienGuard is best for field hockey?
NanoBite, our thinnest guard at 4 mm and the best of our models for breathing and talking.
Can I wear one with braces?
Yes. Your dentist needs to take the impression or 3D scan instead of our at-home kit, then ship it to us or email it to impressions@alienguards.com.
How often should I replace it?
Every year, or sooner if it's chewed, cracked or loose. See how often to replace your mouthguard.
Do teams get a discount?
Yes: 20% off every model, with a minimum order of 5. See team orders.
Also see the hockey and lacrosse guide, the lacrosse guide and the soccer guide. Ice hockey equipment rules (USA Hockey age levels and NFHS) are covered separately in hockey mouthguard rules.