In rugby, the gum shield isn’t just an accessory — it’s an essential piece of protective kit designed to safeguard teeth, gums, lips and jaw. When chosen well and correctly fitted, it can greatly reduce the risk of injury and give peace of mind to both parents and coaches.

Why a Gum Shield is Essential

  • Provides effective protection for teeth, gums and lips from impacts and collisions.
  • Helps prevent jaw injuries.
  • Often mandatory during training sessions and matches at rugby clubs.

How to Choose the Right Gum Shield for Your Child

The choice will depend on the player’s age, playing level and comfort preferences. Here are four Gilbert models that can be easily moulded at home using the boil-and-bite method:

Academy Black Gum Shield Gilbert – Adult

  • Simple, reliable design for both training and match play.
  • Comfortable, with easy moulding for a secure fit.
  • Recommended for teenagers and beginner adults.
  • View product

Academy Black Gum Shield Gilbert – Junior

  • Specifically designed for smaller mouths.
  • Offers the same level of protection as the adult version, with comfort tailored for younger players.
  • Ideal for introducing children to rugby with confidence.
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Men’s Rugby Gum Shield – France Flag Gilbert

  • Premium protection with a distinctive blue, white and red design.
  • Perfect for proud players who like to show their national colours.
  • Suitable for older youth players and adults.
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Gilbert Xbrace Dual Density Junior Rugby Gum Shield

  • Dual density: soft inner layer with a rigid outer shell.
  • Superior comfort and enhanced shock absorption.
  • Ideal for young players who train and play regularly at club level.
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How to Fit Your Gum Shield (Boil-and-Bite)

  1. Prepare: heat water until hot (not boiling). Have a bowl of cold water ready.
  2. Soften: submerge the gum shield in the hot water for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
  3. Mould: place in the mouth, bite firmly, then press with fingers and tongue so it shapes around teeth and gums.
  4. Set: remove and place briefly in cold water to fix the shape.
  5. Check: it should fit snugly without affecting breathing or speech. Remould if necessary.

Care and Replacement

  • After each use: rinse in cold water, air dry, and store in a ventilated case.
  • Hygiene: clean regularly with a specialist cleaner or mild soap (avoid very hot water).
  • Replace: at least once a season, after growth spurts, or if there are visible signs of wear.

Quick FAQs

Will a gum shield make it hard to breathe or talk?

No. A properly fitted gum shield shouldn’t affect breathing or communication. If it feels loose or uncomfortable, remould it.

Which model is best for beginners?

An Academy model (junior or adult size depending on age) offers an excellent balance of protection and comfort for new players.

Which gum shield for a young player who trains often?

A dual density design such as the Xbrace Dual Density provides a more secure fit and better impact absorption.

Key Points to Remember

  • Small investment, big protection for teeth and jaw.
  • Choose based on age, training frequency, and level of play.
  • Correct fitting and regular care make all the difference.

Where to Buy?

Find the ideal junior rugby gum shield at Academy Adult, Academy Junior, France Flag and Xbrace Dual Density Junior on Boutique-Rugby.com.

``` This version swaps **mouthguard** for **gum shield** (the standard UK rugby term), uses “junior” and “youth” where relevant, and keeps the boil-and-bite fitting guide in plain UK English. If you want, I can also prepare a **meta title + meta description** optimised for UK Google searches around “junior rugby gum shields” to improve SEO. That would make this blog page even stronger for search rankings.