--- title: What is a mouthguard actually used for? description: Around here at SISU HQ, sometimes we like to make unique artwork out of our mouthguards. But one of the things they can't do is protect against concussions. image: https://blog.sisuguard.com/hubfs/P1012462.jpg --- Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. ## Latest Stories Search this site on Google S [![SISU](https://blog.sisuguard.com/hs-fs/hub/212277/file-1448685003.jpg?width=20&name=file-1448685003.jpg)  SISU](https://blog.sisuguard.com/author/team-sisu) May 11, 2026 ## [Red, White & Tournament Blue: Why Liberty Camo ...](https://blog.sisuguard.com/red-white-tournament-blue-why-liberty-camo-was-made-for-summer-sports) [Soccer](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/soccer) [Lacrosse](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/lacrosse) [sports protection](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports-protection) [sports](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports) [field hockey](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/field-hockey) [summer](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/summer) [protection](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/protection) [Flag Football](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/flag-football) [volleyball](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/volleyball) [**](https://blog.sisuguard.com/red-white-tournament-blue-why-liberty-camo-was-made-for-summer-sports) [![SISU](https://blog.sisuguard.com/hs-fs/hub/212277/file-1448685003.jpg?width=20&name=file-1448685003.jpg)  SISU](https://blog.sisuguard.com/author/team-sisu) Aug 01, 2025 ## [From the Sidelines to the Spotlight](https://blog.sisuguard.com/from-the-sidelines-to-the-spotlight) [Soccer](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/soccer) [Basketball](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/basketball) [Sports Safety](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports-safety) [sports protection](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports-protection) [sports](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports) [women](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/women) [Flag Football](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/flag-football) [volleyball](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/volleyball) [**](https://blog.sisuguard.com/from-the-sidelines-to-the-spotlight) [![SISU](https://blog.sisuguard.com/hs-fs/hub/212277/file-1448685003.jpg?width=20&name=file-1448685003.jpg)  SISU](https://blog.sisuguard.com/author/team-sisu) Apr 02, 2025 ## [From Sweden to Sports Fields Everywhere: The Gl...](https://blog.sisuguard.com/from-sweden-to-sports-fields-everywhere-the-global-journey-of-sisu-mouthguards) [Mouthguard Technology](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/mouthguard-technology) [Sports Safety](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports-safety) [mouthguard](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/mouthguard) [SISU](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sisu) [technology](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.sisuguard.com/from-sweden-to-sports-fields-everywhere-the-global-journey-of-sisu-mouthguards) [![SISU](https://blog.sisuguard.com/hs-fs/hub/212277/file-1448685003.jpg?width=20&name=file-1448685003.jpg)  SISU](https://blog.sisuguard.com/author/team-sisu) Mar 28, 2025 ## [Spring Sports Safety Guide: What Every Athlete ...](https://blog.sisuguard.com/spring-sports-safety-guide-what-every-athlete-needs-to-stay-protected) [Mouthguard Technology](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/mouthguard-technology) [Kids mouth guard](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/kids-mouth-guard) [Lacrosse](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/lacrosse) [Rugby](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/rugby) [sports](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports) [softball](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/softball) [baseball](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/baseball) [springsports](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/springsports) [protection](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/protection) [**](https://blog.sisuguard.com/spring-sports-safety-guide-what-every-athlete-needs-to-stay-protected) ## Featured Stories Categories - [Mouthguard Technology](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/mouthguard-technology) - [Sports Safety](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports-safety) - [mouthguard](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/mouthguard) - [Concussion Discussion](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/concussion-discussion) - [Lacrosse](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/lacrosse) [![Sierra Soleimani](https://blog.sisuguard.com/hubfs/sierraprofile.jpg)](https://blog.sisuguard.com/author/sierra-soleimani) By [Sierra Soleimani](https://blog.sisuguard.com/author/sierra-soleimani) October 30, 2015 [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.sisuguard.com%2Fwhat-is-a-mouthguard-used-for) [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.sisuguard.com/what-is-a-mouthguard-used-for) [**](https://www.twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.sisuguard.com%2Fwhat-is-a-mouthguard-used-for) [**](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.sisuguard.com%2Fwhat-is-a-mouthguard-used-for) # [What is a mouthguard actually used for?](https://blog.sisuguard.com/what-is-a-mouthguard-used-for) **  [Mouthguard Technology](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/mouthguard-technology) [Football](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/football) [Concussion Discussion](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/concussion-discussion) [Sports Safety](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports-safety) Technically speaking, mouthguards can be used for many things. Around here at SISU HQ, sometimes we like to make unique artwork out of our mouthguards (see photo). I've also heard some mouthguards make great dog toys, too. But one of the most important things they *can't* do is protect against concussions. [![](https://blog.sisuguard.com/hubfs/P1012462.jpg)](http://www.sisuguard.com/aero-guard) Before we get into that, we should explore what a concussion is. Many people understand what a concussion means, but they don't understand the science behind it and, therefore, don't understand how a helmet or mouthguard will NOT protect them from a concussion. Inside the skull, the brain is surrounded by [cerebrospinal fluid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebrospinal_fluid) to cushion it from light impact. With more severe head blows, this fluid is not enough protection. So when you get hit in the head, the force of impact slams your brain into your skull causing a concussion. Think of a concussion as whiplash for your brain. People who try to claim that mouthguards protect against concussions often refer to one or both of the following studies from the 1960's - [In 1964, Stenger wrote that a mouth guard would attenuate the forces to the skull reducing rates of injuries.](http://www.mosessport.com/Mouthguards_-_Protection_Against_Shock_to_Head__Neck_and_Teeth.pdf) - [In 1967, Hickey tested fixed cadaver skulls and claimed that mouth guards reduced intracranial pressure.](http://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(67)43024-4/abstract) The issue with these studies is that they are non-conclusive. The main hypothesis is that if there is a 4mm space between your teeth, force may not travel through the jaw and to the brain. Although the studies point towards a possible effect of decreased force transfer, they did not prove that there was any decrease in concussions or brain trauma. comprehensive peer review of these studies was conducted by Knapik et al in 2007 and found that, "..* the evidence that mouth guards protect against concussion was inconsistent, and no conclusion regarding the effectiveness of mouth guards in preventing concussion can be drawn at present.”* (Knapik, ["Mouthguards in Sport Activities: History, Physical Properties and Injury Prevention Effectiveness](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17241103)["](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17241103). 118).  He added, *“ The inconsistency among studies is problematic and makes it impossible to determine conclusively whether mouthguards reduce concussion risk at present.”* (p. 139) Despite these facts, some successful marketing techniques of mouthguard companies were successful in convincing parents, coaches and players that mouthguards can protect against concussions. They were endorsing  the claims without actually analyzing the evidence. Recently Brain Pad Inc. settled a case and was forced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to remove claims of protective properties for concussion. FTC also started to crack down on mouth guard retailers who were claiming that mouthguards protect against concussions as a selling point.  “Given all of the news reports in the past few years about concussions, retailers should be vigilant in reviewing claims made for products they are selling for young athletes,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the [FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection](http://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection).   So what is a mouthguard actually used for? The purpose of the mouthguard is to protect against dental injuries. With over [5 million avulsed teeth and $500 million spent](http://www.dentalcare.com/en-US/dental-education/continuing-education/ce127/ce127.aspx?ModuleName=coursecontent&PartID=1&SectionID=-1) on replacing them every year, there is a real need for dental protection in sports.  As much as we wish there was this added benefit of mouthguard, there is no conclusive evidence that allows us to make these claims.  Amidst the concussion spotlight in football, this topic has never been more crucial. Believing in concussion protection from mouthguards gives players a false sense of protection that could endanger them and can result in legal liability for mouthguard manufacters.  [![team discount mouthguard](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212277/f3d7dec8-adad-4249-8719-aa633bd1b8bd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212277/f3d7dec8-adad-4249-8719-aa633bd1b8bd) ### Popular Stories [5 Ways to Sanitize Your Mouthguard After Being Sick](https://blog.sisuguard.com/5-ways-to-sanitize-your-mouthguard-after-being-sick) Feb 12, 2016 [4 Ways To Check Your SISU Mouthguard Fit](https://blog.sisuguard.com/4-step-sisu-mouthguard-fit-check) Dec 23, 2015 [Is your mouthguard making you sick?](https://blog.sisuguard.com/is-your-mouthguard-making-you-sick) Aug 07, 2015 [Throwback: The Evolution of Mouthguards](https://blog.sisuguard.com/tbt-history-of-mouthguards) May 21, 2015 [SISU Mouthguard: Warranty & Returns](https://blog.sisuguard.com/sisu-mouthguard-warranty-returns) Mar 15, 2016 ### Subscribe Email ### Popular Tags [Mouthguard Technology](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/mouthguard-technology) [Sports Safety](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports-safety) [mouthguard](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/mouthguard) [Concussion Discussion](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/concussion-discussion) [Lacrosse](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/lacrosse) [Football](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/football) [sports protection](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports-protection) [Parents](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/parents) [Sports Injuries](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports-injuries) [Basketball](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/basketball) [Roller Derby](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/roller-derby) [SISU](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sisu) [sports](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sports) [coaches](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/coaches) [Start up](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/start-up) [business](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/business) [CEO](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/ceo) [Kids mouth guard](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/kids-mouth-guard) [safety](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/safety) [technology](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/technology) [mouthguard care](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/mouthguard-care) [Rugby](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/rugby) [Martial Arts/MMA](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/martial-arts-mma) [UFC](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/ufc) [Hockey](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/hockey) [community](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/community) [Soccer](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/soccer) [field hockey](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/field-hockey) [holiday](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/holiday) [Science](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/science) [Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wear Pink](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/breast-cancer-awareness-month-wear-pink) [Olympics](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/olympics) [baseball](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/baseball) [company](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/company) [customfit](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/customfit) [summer](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/summer) [us lacrosse](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/us-lacrosse) [women](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/women) [ALSF](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/alsf) [Boxing](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/boxing) [Flag Football](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/flag-football) [Patent](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/patent) [SISU Sense](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/sisu-sense) [bjj](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/bjj) [protection](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/protection) [softball](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/softball) [volleyball](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/volleyball) [Airsoft](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/airsoft) [Bruxism](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/bruxism) [Leben](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/leben) [NATA](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/nata) [NBCF](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/nbcf) [NHL](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/nhl) [NSF](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/nsf) [New year](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/new-year) [Quidditch](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/quidditch) [Snowboard](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/snowboard) [Water Polo](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/water-polo) [braces](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/braces) [brazilian jiu jitsu](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/brazilian-jiu-jitsu) [bruises](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/bruises) [germs](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/germs) [hygeine](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/hygeine) [my fight](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/my-fight) [orthodontics](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/orthodontics) [springsports](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/springsports) [wrestling](https://blog.sisuguard.com/topic/wrestling) [Previous Post](https://blog.sisuguard.com/feta-sleeze-roller-derby) ##### [My Fight Spotlight: Feta Sleeze - Detroit Roller Derby](https://blog.sisuguard.com/feta-sleeze-roller-derby) [Next Post](https://blog.sisuguard.com/which-sisu-mouthguard-is-right-for-me) ##### [Which SISU Mouthguard is right for me?](https://blog.sisuguard.com/which-sisu-mouthguard-is-right-for-me)