What's our story...?
The importance of wearing a mouthguard is something our family learnt the hard way. The day before his 21st birthday, Chris lost two of his front teeth during a basketball game — an experience that showed just how crucial mouthguards are for anyone playing sport.
Our family has been involved with rugby in Auckland for more than 25 years. Chris has coached and managed teams at Mt Albert Grammar School, including the 1st XV and Under 15s, and spent eight years coaching at Suburbs Rugby Club, where he was named Coach of the Year in 2006.
The idea for Protect Mouthguards began when our son received a mouthguard in his club colours from overseas. Other players immediately wanted to know where they could get one too. We realised there was a real need to make affordable, quality, club-coloured mouthguards available right here in New Zealand.
At first, we looked at having our mouthguards manufactured overseas. But because we couldn’t be sure of the materials used, we decided to keep production local. It was important to us to guarantee that every mouthguard was safe in every way. That’s why we chose to have them made in New Zealand.
In 2023, we launched our own design — an ergonomically shaped, BPA-free mouthguard with smooth, rounded edges. Easy to mould and comfortable to wear, it’s made locally and built with one goal in mind: to protect smiles and keep players safe, while letting every team show their colours with pride.
Our aim is to provide the most cost effective NZ-made mouthguard to Clubs and Schools so that everyone can wear a quality mouthguard for protection.
Helping others
While working with Wellington City Mission we were devasted to find that some players were making their own mouthguards from milk bottles! Other families were sharing mouthguards between family members.
In 2022 we donated 200 mouthguards to Wellington City Mission
In 2023 we donated 100 mouthguards to Tereora College in the Cook Islands
In 2025 we donated 200 mouthguards to the Fiji Rugby Union
In 2026 we donated 200 mouthguards to Niue Rugby League
Mouthguards play a crucial role in helping to prevent injuires and protecting teeth and reducing the risk of concussion.
Auckland Dental Association Subsidy
To make our mouthguards even more affordable and accessible, we’re proud to partner with the Auckland Dental Association. Through their support, funding is available to help subsidise clubs and teams where financial assistance is needed.
If your Auckland club would like to learn more or check if you qualify, please get in touch - our goal is to make mouthguards accessible for every player.
2024 Recipients - Aoere College, Kelston Boys High School, Mangere East Rugby League, Papatoetoe Rugby Football Club, Waitakere Rugby.
2025 Recipients - De la Salle College, East Tamaki Rugby, James Cook High School, Mangere East Rugby League, Mt Roskill Rugby Football Club, Waitakere Rugby.
2026 Recipients - Ardmore Marist Rugby, Auckland Girls Grammar, Auckland Waterpolo, De la Salle College, East Tamaki Rugby, Eden Rugby, Mount Albert Grammar Girl's Basketball, Mount Roskill Rugby, New Lynn Rugby League, Onehunga High School, , Otahuhu College, Pakuranga High School, Ponsonby Rugby, Southern Districts Hockey, Tangaroa College, Waitakere Rugby
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Protect Mouthguard in a store? - Yes, we’re available in selected retail stores across NZ. Go Hockey - Christchurch, Tauranga, Albany. Core MMA - Hamilton. Fresh Choice - Mandeville and Merivale. One Stop Hockey Shop - Whangarei. Unichem Main Street - Taupo. You can also order online for delivery nationwide.
Where are Protect Mouthguards made? - All Protect Mouthguards are made in Auckland, New Zealand by an ISO-accredited manufacturer specialising in medical-grade plastic injection moulding. This gives you confidence in the quality, safety, and durability of every mouthguard. Being locally made means we can maintain high quality standards, ensure fast supply, and support local communities and sport.
Why should I wear a Protect Mouthguard for water polo? - Water polo involves constant physical contact — from hands, elbows, and the ball. A Protect Mouthguard helps absorb impact and protect your teeth, while also reducing the risk of cuts and concussion. Our slimmer fit Water Polo Mouthguard allows for easier breathing and clearer communication with teammates during the game.
What’s the difference between a sports mouthguard and a Basketball/Water Polo mouthguard? - Sports mouth guards are thicker and built for heavy impacts in contact sports like Hockey, Rugby, League and MMA. Our Basketball and Water Polo mouth guards are specifically designed to be slimmer and more comfortable, making it easier to breathe and communicate during the game — without compromising on protection.
How often should I replace my mouthguard? - We recommend replacing your mouthguard every season or sooner if it becomes worn, damaged, or no longer fits properly. Growing players may need a new mouthguard more often due to changes in their teeth.
Do you offer discounts for clubs or schools? -
Absolutely. We provide discounted pricing for clubs and schools, making it easy to supply mouth guards to your players. Ordering is simple, with multiple sizes, 15 colour options, and no-fuss invoicing. We invoice on delivery, with payment due on the 20th of the following month — ideal for club and school accounts.
How do I clean my mouthguard? - Rinse, brush gently, air dry, and DO NOT use hot water or the mouthguard will soften. For more tips, see the NZ Herald article on our Facebook page.
How do I mould my mouthguard? - Pour boiled water into a large cup, let it cool for 60 secs. Submerge mouthguard in the water for 15 - 30 secs until it softens. Remove with a metal spoon. Place warm mouthguard in mouth & with fingers and thumb either side, squeeze the mouthguard against your top teeth all the way around especially around the front teeth. Using your thumb, push the mouthguard upwards on to your teeth and suck all the air and water out till it is tight against your gums. Rinse in cold water for 30 secs to set. Repeat if needed.
