In contact sports, protecting your mouth isn’t optional, it’s non-negotiable. Whether you’re sprinting down the field or delivering hits in the trenches, the right mouthpiece can mean the difference between staying game-ready and sitting out with a serious injury.
Two types of mouthguards, the lip guard and the mouthguard, each offer unique advantages depending on your position, sport, and comfort preferences.
So which one should athletes be wearing and when? In this guide, we'll walk you through the difference between a lip guard vs. mouthguard, and how Battle Sports helps you protect your teeth without sacrificing comfort, fit, or focus.
Lip Guard vs. Mouthguard: What’s the Real Difference?
While both are considered essential sports mouthguard options, the way they protect your oral health differs in structure and purpose.
Mouthguards: Best for Teeth and Jaw Protection
The classic mouthguard (also known as a mouthpiece) is designed to absorb and distribute impact across the teeth and jaw, helping to prevent dental injuries, tooth fractures, and even concussions caused by blunt force. If you’ve ever been hit in the face without one, you already know why dentists recommend wearing a custom mouthguard for any contact sport.
Many traditional mouthguards, like football mouthguards, are boil-and-bite types, offering a custom fit after being softened in hot water. Some athletes even use a night guard or mouthguard for teeth grinding that doubles as a sports protector in low-contact situations. But on the field, a sports-specific mouthguard is the best way to go.
Lip Guards: Added Protection for Lips and Face
Lip guards, on the other hand, add an extra layer of coverage. They include an extended lip shield that not only protects your teeth and gums, but also helps prevent cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries to the lips and face.
This makes lip guards especially popular among football players, linemen, and athletes in outdoor sports where exposure to wind, dirt, and contact is constant. In short: if you’re looking for both jaw protection and facial comfort, a lip guard might be your best move.
Choosing Based on Functionality and Fit
Protection is only part of the equation. If your mouthguard doesn’t feel right, it’s not going to get worn—which means it’s not doing its job. Fit, comfort, and functionality matter more than you think.
Lip Guards Minimize Clenching and Accidental Biting
High-impact moments often cause athletes to clench or grind their teeth, especially under stress. The extended shield on a lip guard helps prevent clenching, biting the tongue, or cutting your own lips during gameplay. That’s a win for performance and for oral care.
Better Airflow, Better Focus
One of the top benefits of many lip guards, especially Battle's, is improved airflow. Built-in breathing channels let you speak, breathe, and focus during intense drives. Unlike some bulky mouthpieces that disrupt your breathing or communication, a well-designed lip guard helps you stay locked in.
Confidence That Translates Into Performance
When you know you’re protected, you play harder. The confidence that comes with the right mouthguard or lip guard can lead to sharper execution, fewer distractions, and more fearless play. It’s not just about mouth care, it’s about mental edge.
Why Young and Elite Athletes Need the Right Mouth Protection
This isn’t just about preference. Choosing the wrong mouthguard, or worse, not wearing one, can lead to long-term oral damage and costly dental treatment.
Risk of Injury Skyrockets Without Proper Protection
According to dental and sports medicine experts, athletes who don’t wear a mouthguard are up to 60 times more likely to suffer dental trauma. 1
That’s everything from chipped teeth, to gum lacerations, to dislocated jaws. No one wants their season (or their smile) ruined by something that could’ve been prevented with the right mouth protector.
Immediate Damage Can Have Permanent Consequences
A tooth knocked out in a game can mean emergency dentist visits, reconstructive work, or even permanent loss. Damage to gums, lips, and tongue can also leave long-term scars, physically and financially. Bottom line? The right guard doesn’t just protect your teeth, it protects your future.
How Battle Sports Lip Guards Deliver Top-Tier Protection
When it comes to mouthguards, Battle Sports doesn’t play around. Our lip guards are custom-designed for serious athletes who need high-level protection without sacrificing comfort or football drip.
- Impact-resistant material absorbs contact and helps prevent injury to teeth, jaw, and lips.
- Breathability features ensure you can breathe and speak clearly on the field.
- Battle lip guards are compatible with braces, giving younger players and elite athletes a flexible option that adjusts to your bite.
- Our sports mouthguards are made from durable, high-quality material that stands up to every snap, sprint, and grind.
Whether you need a mouthguard for football, a practice-ready piece, or just something that looks as good as it performs, Battle Sports delivers gear that’s built for pressure and engineered for performance.
Choosing the Right Protection: Mouthguard or Lip Guard?
Not every athlete needs the same type of mouth protection. Your position, grind style, and even how you breathe under pressure should shape your choice. Here's how to pick the right mouthguard or lip guard based on how you play.
If You Need Maximum Internal Protection…
Go with a traditional mouthguard.
- Protects your teeth, gums, and jaw from blunt hits
- Absorbs impact and helps prevent concussions
- Ideal for contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse
- Choose a boil-and-bite or a custom mouthguard for better fit
- Similar in function to a night guard used for teeth grinding, but built for gameplay
Best for: Athletes focused on internal protection, especially those with braces, prior dental work, or a history of jaw injuries.
Just remember, if your guard is cracked, warped, or no longer fits properly, take it as a clear sign of when to replace mouthguard equipment. This can make the difference between avoiding injury and risking dental damage.
If You Grind or Clench Under Pressure…
A lip guard gives you protection—and relief.
- Covers your lips, tongue, and outer mouth
- Helps reduce clenching and tension during intense play
- Prevents soft tissue damage caused by grinding or biting down
- Built-in shield also helps against sun, wind, and turf debris
Best for: Players who grind teeth, clench under stress, or want jaw relaxation during action.
If Breathing and Talking Are a Priority…
Lip guards win this round.
- Engineered with breathing channels for better airflow
- Easier to talk, call plays, and communicate without removing your gear
- Doesn't block your mouth like some traditional guards do
- Keeps oxygen flowing and your head in the game
Best for: Quarterbacks, skill positions, or anyone who needs to communicate and stay cool under pressure.
Which One Should You Wear?
- Go with a mouthguard if you're playing a lower-contact sport, or need a basic, custom-molded guard for teeth protection.
- Choose a lip guard if you're in a high-contact sport like football, want added facial protection, or just want the ease of breathing and talking while still staying locked in.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s Battle-tested, because performance starts with protection that actually works.
Level Up Your Protection with Battle Sports
Whether you're looking for a custom fit mouthguard, a lip guard that protects and performs, or something that offers a little more drip with your grip, Battle Sports has you covered.
Because when you're grinding on the field, you don’t have time to second-guess your gear. You need protection that works, comfort that lasts, and performance that elevates your game.
Sources:
1. Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Mouth Guards in Sports: A Necessary Piece of Equipment. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-articles/mouth-guards-in-sports-a-necessary-piece-of-equipment