Sports Mouthguard Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Stock, Boil & Bite, Custom-made), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Material, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global sports mouthguard market size was valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2022 to 2030. This rise can be attributed to a high number of sports-related dental injuries and the high treatment costs associated with these injuries, as well as increased consumer awareness of the importance of sports mouthguards. Furthermore, technological advancements in mouthguards, which are improving their durability, level of protection, and flexibility also drive the market growth.

Sports-related dental injuries are completely preventable, and sports mouthguards play an important 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 in absence of a protective mouthguard. The ability of the sports mouthguard to reduce dental injuries is expected to increase consumer adoption.

However, 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.

Advances in mouthguard technology to improve fit and durability are expected to boost demand for these products. Maher Orthotic, for instance, is an acrylic custom-made mouthguard designed by Dr. Gerald Maher, a temporomandibular joint specialist, and the New England Patriots team dentist. This device advances the mandible forward, increasing oral pharynx space and allowing the athlete to breathe and speak more easily. Furthermore, it improves the occlusion and stability of the bite, assisting in injury prevention.

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 assist in ensuring that mouthguards are worn during practice and competition, while dentists not only educate trainers, coaches, athletes, parents, and other school officials about various products and their uses but also provide custom-made mouthguards in their practice settings.

The rise in disposable income is considered one of the important factors driving the market growth of mouthguards, as high disposable income enables families to invest in quality mouthguards. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, disposable personal income in the U.S. increased to USD 14,860.8 billion in April 2018 from USD 14,809.9 billion in March 2018.

Product Insights

The boil and bite mouthguard segment held the largest revenue share of more than 39.0% in 2021, 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 and 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 could offer a better fit compared to a stock mouthguard.

The custom-made segment is expected to grow rapidly over the forecast period due to the superior protection and fit provided by these devices, which no other type of mouthguard could match. Furthermore, unlike other mouthguards, these are very durable and retain their shape for an extended period.

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. Such technological advancements are also anticipated to boost segment growth

Material Insights

The natural rubber material segment dominated the market in 2021 as well as is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 8.0% 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 could 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 of 29.7% in 2021. 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 Channels Insights

The offline segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 80.0% in 2021. 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 61.8% in 2021 as these mouthguards are less expensive than custom-made mouthguards.

The market is broadly classified into online and offline distribution channels. Several manufacturers offer their products both online and through the online channel. OPRO, Shock Doctor, and Akervall Technologies are a few of the established players that offer products through both of the distribution channels mentioned above. Online custom mouthguard stores, such as Pro Teeth Guard, offer such products.

In addition, e-commerce companies such as Amazon 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 39.6% in 2021, attributed to the region's relatively high disposable income, numerous sports-related oral injuries, widespread product availability, and the presence of sports and dental associations, particularly in the U.S. and Canada.

For instance, approximately 5 million teeth are avulsed each year, primarily during athletic activities, with tooth replacement costing approximately $500 million. Sports-related dental injuries account for 13-39% of all dental injuries, with 2-18% involving the craniofacial region, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) currently 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 anticipated to expand at a rapid rate during the forecast period. Increased disposable income, increased awareness, supportive government initiatives, and increased sports participation can all be attributed to this growth. 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.

Key Companies and Market Share Insights

The market is highly competitive, with a large number of domestic and international players present. Companies are primarily focused on product launches and collaborations to improve their market position. For instance, In March 2021, The British & Irish Lions announced a new licensing partnership with OPRO. This partnership would give OPRO the right to manufacture and produce Lions-branded mouthguards and would be made available for purchase through its network of global retailers.

Some prominent players in the global sports mouthguard market include:

• OPRO

• Makura Sport

• Shock Doctor Inc.

• Akervall Technologies Inc.

• MOGO SPORT

• Brain Pad

• Gob Smacked Sports Mouthguards

• MAX Mouthguards

• Armourfit

• Fight Dentist

• Venum Predator

• Nike

• Decathlon

Sports Mouthguard Market Report Scope

Global Sports Mouthguard Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the 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 Outlook (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

  • U.K.

  • Germany

  • France

  • Italy

  • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

  • Japan

  • China

  • India

  • Australia

  • South Korea

  • Latin America

  • Brazil

  • Mexico

  • Argentina

  • Colombia

  • Middle East & Africa

  • South Africa

  • Saudi Arabia

  • UAE