by Shawn Longmore |
Last Updated: August 18, 2021 What's In This Post?
Let’s Talk Mouthguards
Mouthguards are essential for any contact sport, especially in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and boxing. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize how vital mouthguards are until they have a situation where they are needed.
In this article, we’ll talk about mouthguard prices, where to buy them, how to find the best fit, how to clean them, and when it’s time to toss them in the trash. So let’s get started.
Which Sports Require Them?
Many contact sports require athletes to use a mouthguard. These sports include football, rugby, boxing, MMA, hockey, and basketball, to name a few.
Most people who have never worn a mouthguard tend to think of them as something bulky and uncomfortable. Still, the truth is there are many types out there that are much better than the traditional “boil and bite” types. Some of the newer mouthguards are similar to a custom-made guard and fit really well.
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone who participates in combat-style sports have a mouthguard for protection against injuries such as chipped or broken teeth and cuts inside the mouth.
Custom Made vs. Stock Types
Mouthguards come in two main types: The stock, one-size-fits-all versions, and custom-made ones that are molded to fit your teeth. The stock type is cheaper but not as protective because they tend to move around more than a custom-fit one.
The custom-made mouthguard is typically made out of a comfortable thermoplastic material that fits snugly in your mouth. In addition to comfort, the custom-made ones generally are more protective than the stock types and better prevent cuts and chipped or broken teeth.
One significant benefit of a custom-made mouthguard is that they’re reusable. In fact, if properly cared for, the same mouthguard can be used for years to come.
The typical price range for a custom-made mouthguard is around $200, while the stock types are about $15 to $50 on average. However, a custom-made one might not be n everyone’s budget. For that reason, I’ve added some recommended stock versions further down in this article, along with tips for maintaining them so they last.
MMA vs. Football Mouthguards
Football mouthguards are made a little different from the MMA type. The football guard is bigger to protect the front of your teeth and jaw area, whereas the MMA mouthguard is designed to cover just the top and bottom rows of teeth. This helps prevent injury to your tongue, which can be a severe risk factor when participating in any sport that involves kicking or punching, especially in MMA or boxing.
The downside to wearing a mouthguard in sports such as football is that they can make it difficult to breathe. This may not be a problem while you’re sitting on the sidelines watching a game, but it could become an issue while you’re on the field. Suppose you notice that your ability to breathe is impaired while wearing a mouthguard. If this happens, consider getting one made of softer material and more easily allows for airflow.
In contrast, a mouthguard designed for MMA fighting uses thermoplastic material that offers more protection than football mouthguards. They’re also better at keeping out bacteria and moisture since this material is created in a mold with no rough edges.
In addition to the better fit and protection they offer, the MMA mouthguard also has the added benefit of enhancing your performance by helping you breathe more freely.
Suppose you’re a football player who’s on the hunt for a more effective mouthguard, one that not only protects your teeth but also improves your performance. In that case, it could be time to try out an MMA type of mouthpiece.
MMA vs. Boxing Mouthguards
The difference between a mouthguard designed for MMA fighting and one made for boxing is the material used in their construction. Instead of thermoplastic, boxing mouthguards are usually made out of polyvinyl plastic. However, some newer models are being constructed with thermoplastic materials as well. Some boxers are even choosing to use customized versions since they provide better protection against the dangers of fighting.
These types of mouthguards are smaller than their MMA counterparts, so if you’re worried about being able to breathe while wearing one during a fight, you may not like them. However, they offer good protection for your teeth and lips by preventing cuts and scrapes against your teeth during contact.
They’re also more likely to stay in place better than the MMA mouthguard since they don’t tend to shift or move around when you’re fighting. However, if comfort is an issue for you, a mouthpiece for boxing may be the best option.
How to Properly Fit a Mouthguard
A mouthguard should fit snugly in your mouth without impairing your breathing. Many people think that if their jaw moves forward with the mouthguard in the mouth, it is a good fit, but this is not true. Your jaw should only move forward slightly as you swallow. It’s essential to bite down with your upper and lower teeth, so there is pressure on both sides of the mouthguard to ensure it’s comfortable. It should also feel comfortable when you touch your tongue against the mouthguard.
Mouthguard Safety
Can They Cause Damage to Your Teeth?
The good news, most dentists’ haven’t found a relationship between wearing a mouthpiece and developing gingivitis or cracked teeth. However, you should still take regular dental checkups, including X-rays, to ensure you don’t have any hidden cavities or tooth problems. This will help you avoid any potential long-term damage from developing.
Are They Safe for Kids?
Mouthguards are not just for adults but also for children who participate in contact sports. Although children do not tend to hit each other as hard as adults, they still can get an internal mouth injury without mouth protection.
If your child refuses to wear a mouthguard for any reason or doesn’t like the way it feels in their mouth, you should take them to the dentist and have them custom fit for one.
Can You Wear Them With Braces?
Yes. Many people are worried that the mouthguard will rub against their braces, so getting fitted for one by a dentist is important.
The good news is that there are currently some great options available such as the Shock Doctor Gel Max or Presidium Sports Guard. Both of them offer a gel-fit liner that slides into the upper and lower parts of your teeth to prevent them from rubbing against your braces. However, if you have braces, you should have a custom mouthguard made by the dentist to ensure that it fits just right, which will prevent any rubbing.
Can You Wear Them With Teeth Implants?
Suppose you have had dental implants placed in your mouth. In that case, you might be worried about wearing a standard mouthguard because of the risk of damaging or dislodging your implant. However, many people who have had dental implants report that they don’t feel uncomfortable when wearing a mouthguard.
During one of my fights, the mouthguard kept my teeth in place but didn’t prevent my crown from popping off. Nothing broke, so it was quickly put back on the following day but was still an unexpected hassle.
As long as you can find one made specifically for people with implants, you should be able to wear it safely.
Top and Bottom Protection vs. Top Only Protection
When it comes to purchasing a mouthguard for your child or yourself, you’ll have the option of getting one that protects only your upper teeth (the top) or both the top and bottom teeth. If your child has a mouthguard that only covers their top teeth, they should not be playing any sports where there is contact to the face or head as it will not protect them completely.
When it comes to adults, if you plan to wear one during a sport, you should always invest in one that offers protection for both the top and bottom set of teeth.
Choosing Your Mouthguard by Price Range
People often get concerned about how much they should spend on a mouthguard, but the truth is you really don’t have to pay more than $15 to $50. If you’re worried about the costs, take a trip down to your local Walgreens or CVS and check out some of the cheaper ones just to see how you like them.
If you plan on fighting competitively and are training hard, it would be good to invest in a more expensive mouthguard made from better quality materials. However, even the lower-end ones will do the trick if you are only sparring or doing light workouts.
Top 5 Best Mouthguards for MMA Fighters and Boxers
- Shock Doctor 4800 Ultra Double Mouthguard for Braces – This mouthguard is designed to fit perfectly around braces, ensuring that they don’t rub against any of your teeth. Because it provides the most comfort, you’ll also be able to train longer and harder without developing any jaw pain or fatigue.
- BRACES FIT: Ultra-protection for athletes with braces
- PROTECTION for both upper and lower teeth
- $15,000 DENTAL WARRANTY
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
- OPRO Power-Fit Mouthguard – This mouthguard is made from high-quality materials. It offers double protection in all areas without adding a significant amount of bulk to your face.
- DENTIST DESIGNED - by the dentist who founded OPRO – the World’s largest Custom Mouthguard brand.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS – OPRO are official partners with UFC, UYF, Pop Warner and many more.
- GUARANTEE - 18 month warranty and dental cover of up to $20,000.
- Shock Doctor Pro Mouthguard – This is another excellent mouthguard option for those who wear braces. It provides a more comfortable fit than most other brands. It will allow you to train harder, eventually making your braces more manageable to deal with overtime.
- COMFORT & FIT: Boil & bite fit provides a comfortable fit and can be reformed as needed
- PROTECTION: Shock absorbing front bumper protects against impact
- BRACES COMPATIBLE: Works with braces to protect your orthodontic investment
- SAFEJAWZ Mouthguard for Braces – This model is an excellent option if you’re looking for a mouthguard that offers the same level of protection as the traditional ones but with an improved fit. It provides a full protective cover of the upper bracket. Also, it integrates LOWERBLOK, which helps protect the lips and inner cheek against the lower bracket.
- COMPLETE BRACE PROTECTION - Full protective cover of the upper bracket with its trademarked BRACE HARBOUR. It also integrates LOWERBLOK which helps to protect the lips and inner cheek against the lower bracket (if the wearer has one).
- PERFECT FIT GUARANTEE - We back ourselves. We will help you get the perfect fit or your money back!
- Crown Boxing Mouthguard – A quick boil and bite mouthguard for a snug fit, it’s offered at a very reasonable price.
Made from thermoplastic material, when placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure, the soft gel inner layer molds into the perfect shape for you. Now you’re ready to go with a well-fitting pressure laminated mouthguard for jiu jitsu, muay thai, wrestling, fencing and other potentially dangerous sports.
Proper Care and Cleaning
The biggest thing you can do to ensure a long service life from your mouthguard is to care for it properly.
How often do you need to clean them?
Cleaning your mouthguard is essential because the main reason they wear out and start to break down so quickly is that they’re not being cleaned correctly or enough. In addition, it’s best to wash a mouthguard after every use to prevent bacteria from building up.
How should you clean them?
The best method for cleaning your mouthguard is to use a warm, soapy solution that is safe for its material. You should also be sure to scrub all of the surfaces with a toothbrush or another type of miniature brush to ensure that they are getting clean.
Is there a particular way to store them?
Suppose you want your mouthguard to last the most extended amount of time possible. In that case, try storing it in a cool place where it will not be exposed to excessive heat for extended periods. For example, I keep mine in a plastic carrying case inside my gym bag.
How often should you replace them?
While some companies will tell you that their mouthguards can last up to two years, this is not always the case. Depending on the brand and material of your mouthguard, replacements should be made more often.
Shock Doctor recommends replacing your mouthguard every four months. This is when it can begin to wear and become harder to clean properly.
Suppose your mouthguard becomes discolored, cracked, or experiences some sort of structural damage due to dropping it on the ground. In that case, it is time to purchase a new one.
That About Covers It
Mouthguards are a vital part of any contact sport – they prevent broken teeth, loosened and chipped teeth, and other problems from training and competing. The right mouthguard will not only protect your mouth, but help improve your performance at the same time by allowing you to breathe easier while wearing it.
The mouthguards on this list are some of the best that money can buy and are sure to provide a better training experience for you or your child. You can check out more details about the history of mouthguards by visiting this link.
Please consider using the links found above to pick up your next mouthguard if you found this article helpful. Buying through one of our links will help support our site, and we greatly appreciate it. Thanks for reading, and have a great day!
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