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Do you have to wear a mouthguard in wrestling?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 06, 2026

One of the many NFHS Wrestling Requirements requires a high school wrestler with braces or a special orthodontic device to wear a tooth and mouth guard to cover the device(s). The rule requires a tooth and mouth guard for both the upper and lower teeth if braces are present on both.

Do I need a mouthguard for wrestling?

Mouthguards are a low-cost way to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue. In many school districts, mouthguards are required for wrestlers who have braces. Athletic support. Guys should wear an athletic supporter and girls should wear a good sports bra while wrestling.

Do you need a gum shield for wrestling?

Mouthguards aren't compulsory for wrestlers unless the wrestler has braces or any other orthodontic application.

Do you need a mouthguard for wrestling with braces?

The guidelines for wrestling with braces, per the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), requires wrestlers to wear a mouthguard for protection. Wrestlers with braces on their top teeth do not need a guard on their bottom teeth, and vice versa.

What sport requires a mouth guard?

The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for the following sports: acrobats, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, ...

37 related questions found

Do mouthguards prevent concussions?

Mouth guards are effective at reducing risk

Meanwhile, off-the-shelf mouth guards were associated with 69% lower odds of concussion (aOR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.14-0.65). Neither cohort reported dental injuries. The investigators concluded that using mouth guards during play did reduce the chances of concussion.

Why are mouth guards only for top teeth?

You Only Need a Mouth Guard for Top Teeth

For example, boxers wear mouth guards that cover both the upper and lower teeth. This is because they're more likely to receive blows to the jaw.

Do wrestlers wear cups?

Wrestlers don't wear cups under their singlets unless they're built into a jockstrap, compression shorts, or other protective gear expressly allowed in wrestling bouts. In some cases, male wrestlers can wear a t-shirt under their singlets, while women wrestlers can wear sports bras underneath.

Do you have to wear a mouthguard in high school wrestling?

One of the many NFHS Wrestling Requirements requires a high school wrestler with braces or a special orthodontic device to wear a tooth and mouth guard to cover the device(s). The rule requires a tooth and mouth guard for both the upper and lower teeth if braces are present on both.

Can I use a football mouthguard for wrestling?

Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC)

The NFHS currently mandates the use of mouthguards in football, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse and wrestling (for wrestlers wearing braces).

How do I get a mouthguard?

You can buy mouthguards at stores or get a custom-fitted mouth protector from your dentist. Your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard while you sleep (night guard) to stop you from grinding your teeth. There are different types of mouthguards. Your dentist can suggest the best one for you.

Do you need a mouthguard for basketball?

There is no rule that requires an NBA player to wear a mouthguard, the choice it totally up to the player's decision. However, given the physicality of the NBA it makes sense to wear a mouthguard to ensure that a tooth is not lost. An example is Dallas Mavericks Dennis Smith Jr who lost a tooth during a game in 2019.

Do you need a double mouthguard for braces?

Single mouthguards protect the teeth on the player's upper jaw, while double mouthguards protect the upper and lower jaws. Double mouthguards are often required in high contact sports if the player has braces on their bottom teeth.

What do I need for wrestling?

The most important pieces of wrestling equipment to buy are a wrestling singlet or unitard, wrestling shoes, and some kind of protection, like headgear, knee pads, or a mouthguard, depending on your preferences and the competition's rules.

How safe is wrestling?

Because wrestling is a very physically demanding sport, we see many athletes with contact injuries from high-impact throws, twists and specific dislocations. This leads to a high incidence of sprains, contusions (bruises), dislocations, fractures, concussions and even serious injury.

How do you not get injured in wrestling?

How to Prevent Common Wrestling Injuries

  1. Wear headgear. Headgear and a mouthguard can help prevent head, ear, tongue, and tooth injury.
  2. Use padding and braces. ...
  3. Train during preseason. ...
  4. Eat and drink properly. ...
  5. Shower before and after practice and matches. ...
  6. Sanitize mats and other equipment after each use.

Are knee pads allowed in wrestling?

A wrestler would not be properly equipped if he/she comes to the table with a leg sleeve. A knee pad cannot be worn under or over a leg sleeve to make it legal. The item must be a one-piece knee pad to be legal.

How safe is high school wrestling?

According to Active and Safe, an estimated two injuries will occur on a high school wrestling team of 12. This estimated injury rate occurs over four months. In short, yes, high school wrestling can be dangerous, but most of the injuries sustained are mild and typically above the waist.

What are the rules of wrestling?

The basic rules of wrestling involve the four different moves that you can use to win a match. These rules are known as: takedown, escape, reversal, and nearfall. Wrestlers must follow the guidelines of these moves in order to win a match, unable to follow these rules would result in a loss.

What happens if you don't shower after wrestling?

Wrestlers are in constant contact with each other and can pass skin infections such as ringworms, impetigo, and staph infection. All of these skin infections are extremely contagious and you could infect an entire wrestling room full of wrestlers.

What food do wrestlers eat?

Whole grains- bread, pasta, cereal, rice, oatmeal- these should be the staple of your diet and included daily. These carbohydrate packed foods will help keep your muscles fueled for competition.

Do wrestlers get cauliflower ear?

Cauliflower ear occurs after someone gets a hit or repeated hits to the ear. Wrestlers and boxers are more likely to have cauliflower ear because their ears may be hit while they're in a match. These blows can damage the shape and structure of the outside of the ear.

Do boxers wear mouthguards?

Regardless of a boxer's age, skill level, or style, a mouthguard is undoubtedly one of the most (if not the most) important pieces of protective equipment boxers keep in their kit. Whether they're sparring for practice or are in the middle of a match, it only takes one punch to do some serious dental damage.

Can you choke on a mouthguard in your sleep?

It is dangerous to have a mouth guard that does not hold on to your teeth firmly. It can come off at night and choke you. You can opt to go for boil and bite mouth guards.

How long should a mouthguard last?

A mouthguard that isn't cleaned, stored or maintained properly is going to wear out quickly. With proper care, your custom mouthguard's longevity could last as long as three to five years! However, due to general breakdown from usage, a good rule of thumb is to replace your mouthguard each year.