Sports Mouthguard Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Stock, Boil & Bite, Custom-made), By Material (EVA, Natural Rubber, Acrylic Raisins), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Sports Mouthguard Market Size & Trends

The global sports mouthguard market size was valued at USD 5.49 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2023 to 2030. The increase in sports-related dental injuries and the corresponding treatment expenses have contributed to this rise and heightened awareness among consumers regarding the significance of sports mouthguards. According to Winning Smiles Dentistry 2021 stats, approximately 5 million teeth are avulsed every year, primarily during athletic activities include intrusion, extrusion, tooth fractures, and traumatic tooth displacements. In order to prevent such injuries, the American Oral Association also advises athletes of all ages to use a properly fitted mouthguard throughout any physical activity. Moreover, Technological advancements in mouthguards, improving their durability, flexibility, and level of protection, also drive market growth.

Sports-related dental injuries are entirely preventable, and sports mouthguards play an essential role in preventing these injuries, particularly orofacial and maxillofacial injuries. According to the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety, an athlete is nearly 60 times more likely to sustain an orofacial injury during sports activities without a protective mouthguard. The ability of the sports mouthguard to reduce dental injuries is expected to increase consumer adoption.

Advances in mouthguard technology to improve fitness and durability are expected to boost demand for these products. Numerous companies are making technological advancements to develop the next generation of sports mouthguards. For instance, in July 2022, ORB Innovations, founded by Robert Paterson and Thomas Quinn, developed a groundbreaking smart sports mouthguard. This innovative mouthguard enables athletes in contact and combat sports to monitor their performance and overall well-being by tracking their heart rate and head impacts. It is the first mouthguard capable of simultaneously monitoring both physiological and biomechanical data.

The increased adoption of mouthguards in the sports industry can be attributed to numerous sports associations and organizations including the American Dental Association, CDC, and others implementing strict safety regulations and guidelines. These regulatory bodies recognize the potential risks and vulnerabilities of sports-related dental injuries. As a result, they have made it mandatory for athletes to wear mouthguards in certain sports.Implementing safety regulations is a proactive measure to protect athletes from dental trauma and its associated complications. By mandating mouthguards, these sports associations and organizations aim to minimize the incidence and severity of dental injuries during sporting activities. This requirement applies to a wide range of sports, including high-impact contact sports such as football, hockey, and boxing, as well as sports involving the risk of falls or collisions, such as basketball, rugby, and martial arts.

Dentists, referees, and coaches play an important role in influencing athlete adoption of sports mouthguards and are thus expected to increase mouthguard adoption and awareness. Team coaches and referees ensure that mouthguards are worn during practice and competition, while dentists not only educate coaches, trainers, parents, athletes, and other school officials about various products and their uses but also provide custom-made mouthguards in their practice settings. In August 2022, Dr. George Garbis, a well-known dentist in Howard country in the U.S. invented a color-changing mouthguard ThermoPact MouthShield. The product has undergone rigorous testing conducted by Biokinetics, a respected Canadian ballistics company. Their results demonstrate that this advanced mouthguard has the capability to absorb between 20% and 50% more impact energy compared to conventional boil-and-bite guards. Such innovations help to penetrate the sports mouthguard market by leveraging high-profile events, third-party testing results, and a localized approach to gain initial traction, build credibility, and expand the adoption.

The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in mandatory mobility restrictions and a ban on the organization of sports/group events, both of which have had an impact on the sports industry in these countries. All of these factors are expected to negatively impact the growth of the market in the coming quarters. Developed countries, such as the U.S., are the key markets. The ongoing interruptions in the growth of the sports industry as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak are affecting the revenue of the key players operating globally.

Product Insights

The boil and bite mouthguard segment held the largest revenue share of over 40% in 2022. This is attributed to their ability to protect against many orofacial injuries better than a stock mouthguard and their relatively low price range. The boil & bite mouthguards are of two types-shell liner type, wherein the liner is made up of either silicone rubber or plastic acrylic, and thermoplastic type, which is generally made up of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA).

The boil & bite is the most used type of protector, with more than 90% of the athletes using this type of mouthguard, as it is relatively inexpensive and enables a closer fit to the user’s mouth. It can be bought from many sporting goods stores and offers a better fit than a stock mouthguard. The custom-made segment within the mouthguard market is projected to experience substantial growth during the forecast period, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. This growth can be attributed to the exceptional protection and fit offered by custom-made mouthguards, surpassing the capabilities of other mouthguards. Custom-made mouthguards are carefully crafted to match the unique dental structure and contours of an individual's teeth structure. This personalized approach ensures an optimal fit, providing superior protection against impact and reducing the risk of injuries during sports or other activities.

The combination of superior protection, optimal fit, and long-lasting durability has positioned custom-made mouthguards as the preferred choice for individuals seeking oral protection. As a result, the custom-made segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, catering to the increasing demand for mouthguards that provide unparalleled comfort, safety, and performance.

In September 2019, GuardLab, Inc, a U.S.-based sports technology brand, that uses 3D scanning + 3D printing technologies to create custom mouthguards, collaborated with the leading hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer Hockey to launch a new line of personalized 3D-printed APEX mouthguards. The product is available for the U.S. and Canada markets.

Material Insights

The natural rubber material segment dominated the market in 2022 as well as is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The most common polymer used for the preparation of mouthguards is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer as it can be adapted to the design of any type of device. When heated, EVA is a thermoplastic copolymer that can be easily manipulated. It is also non-toxic and widely available in the market. Most sports mouthguards are made of EVA with a VA content of 28%. This percentage enables advantageous properties for this application, such as high-impact energy absorption, which is enhanced when exposed to body temperature. These factors contribute to the growth of the industry.

The others segment held the second-largest revenue share in 2022. Clinicians prefer to fit hard acrylic-resin mouthguards for practical reasons. This is due to soft mouthguards being more difficult to adjust, making it more difficult to prevent inadvertent tooth movements. The material is also gentle on the teeth and gums while worn and poses no health risks or irritation to the gums or teeth.

Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment held the largest market share of around 80% in 2022. The segment is anticipated to witness lucrative growth during the forecast period. This is due to the availability of a diverse range of products/brands in retail sports goods stores, as well as an increased emphasis on the use of custom-fitted mouthguards.

The offline segment is further divided into modes that include hypermarkets/supermarkets, specialty stores, and sports shops. Based on modes, sports shops accounted for the largest revenue share of in 2022 as these mouthguards are less expensive than custom-made mouthguards. Sports enthusiasts and athletes can now access various options when selecting the mouthguard. The availability of different products and brands ensures that individuals can find a mouthguard that suits their needs and preferences.

The market is broadly classified into online and offline distribution channels. Several manufacturers including OPRO, Shock Doctor, and Akervall offer their products both online and through the online channel. For instance, in November 2022, TOYAM SPORTS LIMITED launched its extensive range of MMA products including mouthguard under the K1L brand. The products will be launched on both online and offline distribution channels as per the company.

Online custom mouthguard stores, such as Pro Teeth Guard, offer such products. In addition, e-commerce companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and Flipchart also offer store-bought types of mouthguards on their websites. Furthermore, several manufacturers have online shopping portals for purchasing these devices, thus fueling the growth of the segment. However, a majority of the mouthguards available online offer relatively low protection and are ill-fitted.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for the largest revenue share of around 40% in 2022, attributed to the region's relatively high disposable income, numerous sports-related oral injuries, widespread product availability, and sports and dental associations, particularly in the U.S. and Canada. For instance, as per Sports-Related Dental Injuries and Sports Dentistry report in 2020, dental injuries make up 10-39% of all injuries in sports in the U.S. in 2020. Children between the ages of 7 and 11 are most at risk for sports-related mouth injuries.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) recently mandates only five sports: football, ice hockey, lacrosse, field hockey, and wrestling. Wrestlers with fixed orthodontic equipment must compete. Numerous high schools and universities, on the other hand, continue to favor mandatory contact sports protection equipment. Due to the factors mentioned above, the sports mouthguard industry is expected to grow at an exponential rate during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period. This is attributed to increased disposable income, increased awareness, supportive government initiatives, and increased sports participation. For example, China's State Council announced plans to develop its sports industry in September 2019, including plans to manufacture sports equipment and encourage participation in sports.

Competitive Insights

The market is highly competitive, with many domestic and international players present. Companies primarily focus on product launches and collaborations to improve their market position. For instance, in July 2022, OPRO launched an instant custom-fit mouthguard that delivers dentist-level protection and exceptional comfort. This innovative mouthguard offers the convenience of being fitted instantly at home, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming dental appointments. By providing athletes with a quick and efficient solution, OPRO's instant custom-fit mouthguard saves sports players valuable time and money while ensuring optimal oral protection during their activities.

Sports Mouthguard Market Report Scope

Global Sports Mouthguard Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global sports mouthguard market report based on product, material, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Stock Mouth Guard

  • Boil & Bite Mouth Guard

  • Custom-made Mouth Guard

• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Acrylic Resins

  • Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

  • Natural Rubber

  • Others

• Distribution Channel (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Offline

    • Hypermarkets/Supermarkets

    • Specialty Stores

    • Sports Shops

  • Online

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Sweden

    • Norway

    • Denmark

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • UAE

    • Kuwait