Choosing Football Mouthguard Based on Position

As one of the heaviest contact sports out there, there’s little debate as to the effectiveness or safety value of mouthguards for football players. Mouthguards are an absolute must for any athlete playing football at any age, regardless of any additional factors.

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we’re happy to offer a huge variety of football mouthguards and other custom sport mouthguards to meet your every need. While all football players require a mouthguard for safety, the specific needs here may vary significantly depending on which position you play. Here are a few important factors to keep in mind when it comes to football position and mouthguard selection, plus a couple related variables to consider.

Choosing the Right Football Mouthguard by Position

As anyone who has played football can tell you, communication is everything. Some positions need to be able to talk regularly with teammates on the field, while others are focused almost entirely on pure protection. The type of mouthguard you choose should match the demands of your position.

Offensive Positions: Communication is Key

The Quarterback (QB) is the most obvious communicator on offense. They call plays, make audibles, and signal adjustments at the line of scrimmage. But they aren’t the only ones. The Center (C) also has a vital communication role—calling out protections and identifying the “Mike” linebacker so the offensive line knows its blocking assignments.

Defensive Positions: The On-Field Quarterbacks

On defense, communication is led by the Middle Linebacker (Mike), who often wears the green-dot helmet that connects directly to coaches. The Mike is responsible for calling the play, aligning the front seven, and adjusting coverages or blitzes.

The Safeties—especially the Free Safety—are also big communicators, making sure cornerbacks and linebackers are aligned in coverage. Even Cornerbacks themselves play a role, signaling adjustments against motion or stacked receiver formations.

Like QBs, these defensive leaders benefit from thin-profile mouthguards that allow them to shout across the field without being muffled.

The best choice here is a custom-fit mouthguard. Its thin frontal profile makes communication easier while still protecting the upper and lower jaw. This is why so many pro players, especially NFL quarterbacks, choose custom-fit guards. They require a dental impression and are handcrafted to fit your exact teeth anatomy, making them more expensive—but also unmatched in performance.

For those looking for a more affordable option, our Extreme Impact boil-and-bite mouthguards also provide a thin profile, excellent fit, and protection without muffling your voice.

Linemen and Heavy Hitters: Maximum Protection

For players in the trenches—offensive and defensive linemen, tight ends, and heavy hitters who don’t call coverages as often—the main priority is protection. These athletes face the most collisions every play.

The best choice is a guard with extra molar and jaw protection, adding cushioning without bulk. Our Lip Guards (also known as pacifier mouthpieces, binky mouth guards) are also a great option. They shield the lips and mouth, can attach to a helmet strap, and can easily be “spit out” between plays while still staying secure.

Players With Braces

One of the toughest challenges is finding a safe, comfortable mouthguard for players with braces. The best football mouthguards for braces are Pacifier Mouthguards. These shield the entire mouth—including lips, teeth, and braces—while offering excellent airflow. They’re also durable enough to handle the unique demands of orthodontic hardware.

Final Word

Whether you’re a quarterback trying to be heard on a loud field, a linebacker shouting out adjustments, or a lineman battling in the trenches, choosing the right mouthguard for your position makes a huge difference.

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we design guards for every style of play—from custom-fit precision guards to boil-and-bite models to braces-friendly pacifiers. Whatever your role on the field, we’ll help you find the perfect balance of protection, comfort, and communication.

For more on choosing the ideal football mouthguard based on position, or to learn about any of our custom sport mouthguards, speak to the staff at Damage Control Mouthguards today.