Can Sports Mouth Guards Affect Breathing?

Key Takeaways

• Sports mouth guards can affect breathing comfort, particularly when they are thick or poorly fitted.
• Some studies report small reductions in PEF and FEV1 with certain mouth guards during intense exercise.
• Stock and boil-and-bite guards may feel less comfortable because of their fit and thickness.
• Custom-fitted mouth guards provide a more precise and secure fit.
• Persistent breathing discomfort may indicate that the mouth guard needs to be reassessed.

Yes, sports mouth guards can affect breathing, particularly when they are bulky or poorly fitted.

Some mouthguards, such as stock and boil-and-bite, are thicker and less precise in fit. This can crowd the mouth and make breathing less comfortable during exercise. However, a well-fitted guard, especially a custom one, is different: it sits securely over the teeth without taking up unnecessary space, so it doesn't affect breathing during sports.

Do Sports Mouth Guards Really Affect Breathing?

Yes, a sports mouth guard can affect breathing comfort, particularly when it is bulky or poorly fitted. Clinical studies suggest that an oversized or poorly fitted athletic mouth guard may slightly reduce peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1) during intense exercise.

If a guard feels restrictive or makes breathing difficult during exercise, its fit should be assessed.

How Poorly Fitted Guards Can Affect Breathing

Breathing with a sports mouth guard becomes difficult in several ways, especially if it is poorly fitted or bulky.

Airway and Oral Space

Using a bulky mouthguard that fits poorly can limit tongue movement and make normal breathing feel less comfortable during exercise. Stock mouth guards and bulky boil-and-bite guards are often reported to affect breathing during games.

Reduced Respiratory Flow

Studies have found measurable changes in respiratory function with some sports mouth guard fits. An 8% to 14% reduction in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and a 7% to 15.8% reduction in peak expiratory flow (PEF) with certain mouth guards. These changes may increase the effort required for breathing during intense exercise.

Perception of Restricted Breathing

A bulky mouth guard can also change tongue movement and the way the lips and jaw feel during exercise. This unfamiliar sensation may make some athletes feel that their breathing is restricted, even when their nasal airway remains clear.

How Can You Make Breathing Comfortable With a Sports Mouth Guard?

Choosing the right and best sports mouth guard for athletes can make breathing more comfortable during exercise.

Custom-fit mouth guards generally provide a secure fit and are less likely to interfere with breathing or ventilation. Research suggests that custom-made guards do not negatively affect oxygen consumption, ventilation, or sports performance.

Boil-and-bite and stock mouth guards can be less comfortable because they may be thicker or fit less precisely. A poor fit can make the mouth feel crowded and may require more clenching to keep the guard in place.

Dental appliance providers such as Caspersmile offer personalized sports mouth guards made from dental impressions for a more precise fit. Their sports mouth guards are dentist-approved and FDA-cleared, with a focus on protection and comfortable breathing during sports.

Mouthguard Types and Breathability

The table below compares the main mouthguard types based on fit and how each one affects comfort and stability when breathing with a sports mouthguard during sports.

Choosing a Mouth Guard That Won't Restrict Your Breathing

Sports mouth guards can affect breathing, but the effect is tied more to fit than to the presence of a guard itself. Bulky or ill-fitting guards take up extra space in the mouth, restrict tongue movement, and, in some studies, have been linked to measurable drops in expiratory flow during exercise.

Custom-fitted guards avoid most of these issues, sitting securely without the bulk that causes discomfort. Athletes who notice breathing difficulty with their current guard should have the fit checked, since comfort and performance both depend on getting that right.