Don't Get DQ'd - Know the NFHS Wrestling Requirements

Wrestling is an intense and physically demanding sport that requires strength, agility, and strategy. But if you have braces, you might be wondering—Can I wrestle with braces? The good news is, yes, you can wrestle with braces! However, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has specific rules in place to ensure both your safety and that of your opponent. One key requirement is wearing a sports mouthguard designed for braces. We’ll go over the NFHS rules, why a mouthguard is essential, and how you can stay protected while competing in wrestling.
National Federation of High State Schools (NFHS)
Designed to protect those participating in high school sports, the National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS) has established the NFHS wrestling requirements. One of the many rules requires a high school wrestler with braces or a special orthodontic device to wear a tooth and mouth guard to cover the device(s). The Denta-Gard® Kid's Comfort PRO™ mouthguard exceeds the NFHS Wrestling Requirements by uniquely covering both the upper and lower teeth. And it does all this without boiling it or taking impressions. In addition, it does not counteract an orthodontist's precisely planned movement.
Double Mouthguard
The Kid's Comfort Pro mouthguard has long been a top choice among dentists, particularly orthodontists, because it provides excellent protection without interfering with orthodontic treatment. Until recently, this high-quality mouthguard was only available through dental professionals, but now, athletes and parents have more options. You can still purchase it from your dentist, but it's also available directly from the manufacturer, making it more accessible than ever. Read some testimonials from orthodontists.
This mouthguard is an ideal choice for wrestlers, offering the perfect balance of protection, comfort, and durability. Designed to fit securely over braces, it helps prevent dental injuries while allowing wrestlers to focus on their performance without discomfort or distraction. If you're looking for a quality, USA-made mouthguard that meets the NFHS wrestling safety requirements, the Kid's Comfort Pro is worth considering.
Its soft yet shock-absorbent material provides superior impact protection against collisions, falls, and accidental elbows on the mat. Its snug, natural-fit design ensures a secure and comfortable feel, making it easy to breathe and speak without constant readjustments.
Unlike bulky mouthguards that can feel uncomfortable or restrict airflow, Kid’s Comfort Pro is crafted to promote open-mouth breathing and maximum comfort, encouraging consistent use. Additionally, it is made with safe, BPA-free materials. With its premium protection and focus on comfort, Kid’s Comfort Pro stands out as the top mouthguard for wrestlers who need reliable protection without sacrificing performance.
The Denta-Gard® Kid's Comfort PRO™ is the best mouth guard due to:
Worn Over Dental Braces
You can avoid dental injuries without counteracting an orthodontist's technically and precisely planned movement. Therefore, preserving corrections and adjustments that your orthodontist has scheduled. Wearing a sports mouthguard over your braces while wrestling is crucial for protecting both your teeth and orthodontic appliances from damage. Braces have metal brackets and wires that can cause severe cuts to the lips, cheeks, and gums if struck by an elbow or fall.
Kid's Comfort Pro sports mouthguards act as a cushion, reducing the impact force and preventing brackets from breaking or wires from bending, which could lead to painful injuries and expensive orthodontic repairs. Designed to fit comfortably over braces, providing enough space for tooth movement while ensuring maximum protection. Our braces-friendly mouthguard keeps your teeth, gums, and orthodontic work safe so you can focus on your game without worrying about dental injuries.
Forsus and Herbst Adaptable
If you purchase on our website, you will see a checkbox to indicate to us to modify the Kid's Comfort Pro sports mouth guard to fit a Herbst appliance or Forsus appliance. Otherwise, see our Video on how you can make the adjustments.
Protects Both Upper and Lower Teeth
Why wear a mouth guard that only protects half of your mouth? Kid's Comfort Pro sports mouthguards protect both upper and lower teeth at the same time. When wrestling, protecting both the upper and lower teeth is essential to prevent dental injuries caused by accidental collisions, elbows, or falls.
Kid's Comfort Pro sports mouthguards cover both arches and provide comprehensive protection by absorbing impact forces and reducing the risk of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and soft tissue damage. While traditional mouthguards primarily shield the upper teeth, our mouthguard ensures that both the upper and lower teeth remain safeguarded during fast-paced play.
Additionally, wearing a mouthguard can help reduce the risk of concussions by cushioning the jaw and minimizing shock transmission to the brain. To maximize protection and comfort, athletes should choose Kid's Comfort Pro sports mouthguards, a durable mouthguard designed for full-coverage protection while maintaining breathability and comfort on the mat.
Allows Open-Mouth Breathing
Due to the natural spring hinge design, the Kid's Comfort PRO™ wrestling mouth guard allows open-mouth breathing and understandable speech. Open-mouth breathing can enhance athletic performance by increasing oxygen intake and reducing airway resistance during intense physical exertion. When athletes breathe through their mouths, they can take in larger volumes of air compared to nasal breathing, allowing for quicker oxygen delivery to muscles and faster removal of carbon dioxide. This can be especially beneficial during high-intensity activities that require sustained energy output, such as wrestling.
Additionally, mouth breathing can help prevent nasal congestion from limiting airflow, ensuring a continuous oxygen supply. However, while open-mouth breathing can be advantageous in short bursts of high exertion, relying on it excessively may lead to inefficient breathing patterns, decreased oxygen utilization, and increased fatigue over time. Therefore, athletes often benefit from training to optimize both nasal and mouth breathing strategies for improved endurance and performance.
Comfortable to Wear
Soft and pliable, yet strong and tough. Comfortable to wear. Athletes tend to wear it more consistently than other sports mouthguards. Comfort is crucial for long periods of wear, especially in high-intensity sports, ensuring that athletes can perform at their best without distraction. An ill-fitting or bulky mouthguard can feel uncomfortable, making it difficult to breathe, speak, or focus on the game, leading some athletes to remove it or wear it improperly. Choosing a quality, comfortable sports mouthguard enhances safety and encourages consistent use and better overall protection on the mat
Made in the USA with FDA-Approve Materials
All of our Denta-Gard® Kid's Comfort Pro sports mouthguards are manufactured in the Lone Star State with FDA-approved materials. Our corporate office and production facility are located in beautiful Bastrop, Texas, just outside of Austin. Our employees process, package, and ship your mouthguard themselves, from our warehouse facility and are there to provide you with excellent customer service every step of the way.
The Denta-Gard® Kid's Comfort PRO™ does NOT fall into the standard three sports mouthguard categories
Stock mouth guards: Inexpensive and usually purchased at most sporting goods stores. In most cases, you can not wear this sports mouthguard with braces. They only cover the upper teeth and are usually bulky, making breathing difficult. They provide very little to no protection. Therefore, dentists typically do not recommend their use.
Boil and bite mouthguard: Inexpensively available at most sporting goods stores. Made of a thermoplastic material that you place in boiling water, then shape around teeth with your fingers. In most cases, boil-and-bite mouthguards can not be worn with braces. Covers the upper teeth only and is usually bulky and uncomfortable. Kids tend to chew the ends down, which eliminates any cushioning benefit.
Custom mouthguards: Custom wrestling mouthguards are usually purchased from your Dentist; they are expensive and typically cost $300.00 and up. Consequently, to protect both upper and lower teeth, you will need to purchase two custom-fit guards.
You should wear a mouth guard to meet the NFHS Wrestling Requirement if you wear braces and are involved in high school wrestling.
We invite you to browse our website to learn more about the Denta-Gard® Kid's Comfort PRO™.