Starting Secondary School Rugby? Here's Why Your Child's Mouthguard Matters
Year 7 is an exciting time. Many children play full-contact rugby for the first time, and for parents, it often means buying a rugby mouthguard for the first time too.
With so many options, it’s tempting to focus on price or looks. But the most important thing is how well the mouthguard fits. A mouthguard only works if it fits properly. That’s why picking the right one is so important before the season begins. This matches OPRO’s core message: Better Fit. Better Protection.
Why Year 7 Rugby Is Different
Year 7 is a big step up in school rugby. Many children move from tag or touch rugby to full-contact games, and some are playing rugby for the first time. The game gets faster and more physical, with regular tackling and contact.
At this age, many 11 and 12-year-olds still have developing permanent teeth. Protecting these teeth is important because dental injuries can need a lot of treatment and may cause long-term problems.
A mouthguard that fits well helps parents feel reassured and lets young players enjoy the game.
Does My Child Need a Mouthguard for School Rugby?
For contact rugby, the answer is yes.
A mouthguard protects teeth, gums, and soft tissues by absorbing and spreading out impacts during tackles, collisions, and accidental contact.
Even in touch rugby, accidental contact still happens, so some children choose to wear a mouthguard anyway, both for protection and to get used to wearing one before they move into contact rugby.
Mouthguards fall under World Rugby's regulations on players' dress, and many schools and clubs make them compulsory for training and matches alike.
But just wearing a mouthguard isn't enough. If it doesn't fit well, it can move around, feel uncomfortable, or even be taken out if it makes breathing or talking hard.
Want to learn more about how mouthguards work? Read our guide to What Is a Sports Mouthguard and How Does It Protect Your Teeth?
What Makes a Good Rugby Mouthguard?
When choosing a mouthguard for a Year 7 rugby player, there are four things every parent should consider.
Fit
A mouthguard should fit snugly around the upper teeth without your child needing to bite down to keep it in place. A secure fit gives better protection and helps players feel more confident.
Comfort
If a mouthguard feels bulky or uncomfortable, your child probably won’t want to wear it during training or matches.
Breathing and Communication
Rugby relies on good communication. A mouthguard that fits well should let your child breathe easily and talk clearly with teammates.
Durability
A good mouthguard will keep protecting your child all season if it fits well and is looked after.
Why Cheap Mouthguards Can Cost More in the Long Run
A cheaper mouthguard might seem like a good deal at first, but it can end up costing more in the long run.
Poor Fit Can Mean Poor Protection
If a mouthguard feels loose or only stays in place when your child bites down, it isn’t giving the secure fit needed.
Every mouth is different, so getting the right fit is one of the most important parts of how well a mouthguard works.
Not sure whether your child's mouthguard fits correctly? Read our guide to How to Tell if Your Mouthguard Fits Properly to learn what to look for.
They Can Affect Comfort
If a mouthguard feels bulky, needs constant adjusting, or is uncomfortable, children are less likely to wear it for the whole match or training session.
They Can Make Breathing and Communication More Difficult
Young players need to breathe easily and talk to teammates during the game. A mouthguard that doesn’t fit well can make both harder.
They May Need Replacing More Often
Lower-quality mouthguards can lose their shape, get damaged, or wear out faster, so they often need to be replaced sooner than better ones.
Why Fit Matters More Than Anything Else
As Dr Anthony Lovat, Founder of OPRO, says:
"As a dentist, I know a mouthguard only protects properly if it fits properly."
That’s why every OPRO mouthguard is designed with fit as the main focus.
A mouthguard that stays in place lets young players breathe easily, talk clearly, and focus on playing rugby instead of adjusting their mouthguard.
Why We Recommend OPRO Instant Custom-Fit
If you want the best fit and comfort for your child, we recommend the OPRO Instant Custom-Fit range.
OPRO Instant Custom-Fit is different from a standard mouthguard. It uses a special impression tray that works with the jaw’s natural pressure during fitting. This makes a precise impression of the teeth, giving what we call a Dentist Fit, without needing a dental visit.
The result is a mouthguard that:
- Moulds exactly to your child's teeth.
- Stays securely in place.
- Has a slim, natural feel.
- Makes breathing and communication easier.
- Delivers triple-layer protection.
Professional athletes and top teams around the world trust OPRO. It’s made to give young rugby players the same confidence in their protection as the pros.
Getting the Right Fit
Even the best mouthguard won’t work well if it isn’t fitted properly.
Take time to follow the fitting instructions and check that the mouthguard stays in place without your child having to bite down.
Follow our step-by-step guide to How to Fit Your OPRO Mouthguard before the first training session.
After fitting, check that the mouthguard feels secure, is comfortable, and lets your child breathe normally.
Our guide to How to Tell if Your Mouthguard Fits Properly explains exactly what to look for.
Looking After Your Mouthguard
Taking care of a mouthguard keeps it clean and can help it last longer.
Rinse the mouthguard after each use, let it dry fully before storing, and check it often for any signs of wear or damage.
Read our guide to How to Clean Your Mouthguard for simple care tips and recommended cleaning products.
When Should You Replace a Mouthguard?
Even the best mouthguard won’t last forever.
If the mouthguard gets damaged, stops fitting well, or your child’s teeth change as they grow, it’s time for a new one.
Our guide to Signs It's Time to Replace Your Child's Mouthguard explains the key signs to look for and when it's time to invest in a new one.
The Bottom Line for Year 7 Parents
Starting Year 7 rugby is a memorable moment, and picking the right mouthguard is an important part of getting ready for the season. Protects developing teeth, supports comfortable breathing and clear communication, and gives young players the confidence to focus on enjoying the game.
With over 30 years of experience, trusted by more than 15 million athletes worldwide, and designed by a top sports dentist, OPRO helps players of all ages play with confidence through one simple idea:
Better Fit. Better Protection.
