If you train in any type of MMA, Muay Thai, or Boxing, one of the most important pieces of protective equipment you will use is a mouthguard. Without a proper fitting mouthguard, things like missing teeth, jaw injuries, and even head trauma are more likely to happen, which is why wearing a mouthguard for mma is always recommended. I always recommend fighters to wear a mouthguard when sparring or rolling in jiu jitsu. Remember, all it takes is one small punch to knock a tooth out, one accidental knee while rolling to insure a dentist visit (who wants to go to the dentist?).
I have personally seen multiple people hurt themselves from not wearing a proper mouthguard. You might think “it will never happen to me”, however it’s more common to happen than you think. Not only is having your tooth knocked out of your mouth uncomfortable (and unattractive), it also costs a lot of money in dentists fees. It’s always better to make the initial investment of purchasing a mouthguard rather than risk the possibility of injury down the road.
Why Mouthguards are necessary for MMA
Mouthguards are necessary for MMA, Boxing, and Muay Thai because there are so many weapons someone can use against you, whether that be a punch, a kick, or even a knee. When you get hit in the face with a punch or kick it sends a shockwave from your jaw to the rest of your brain and skull. The direct impact to the front of the teeth is your first danger when being hit, the shockwave then enters your jaw and finally the brain takes the final impact. This is why you need to make sure you’re ready for sparring before slinging leather, we actually wrote an article ‘When should a Beginner start sparring in Muay Thai?‘ that you may want to check out.
The reason I bring this up is because it has been scientifically studied and proven that wearing a mouthguard can reduce your chances of not only injuring your mouth and jaw, but it’s also been proven to significantly reduce your chances of being diagnosed with a concussion. This is why it’s so important to get the best mouth guard for MMA, Muay Thai, or Boxing.
Mouthguards for mma are designed to be your primary shock absorber, this will allow your mouthguard to spread the impact of force throughout a much larger area, which in return helps decrease the impact of the area hit. By distributing the blow/impact, your mouthguard will reduce the amount of damage absorbed, which will in return prevent or significantly reduce the amount of injuries you receive to your teeth/jaw area.
Things to consider when purchasing a mouthguard
Fit & Comfort
This is the most important factor when purchasing a mouthguard for MMA, Boxing, or Muay Thai. When selecting a mouthguard for mma, fit and comfort should be at the top of your priority list. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve trained with people who wore a mouthguard that they bought the same day and didn’t even bother to boil it down to fit their mouths better. This is nearly the worst thing to do because your mouthguard won’t fit as intended.
If you are using a boil and bite mouthguard, you need to ensure that you spend the time required to mold it to the dimensions of your mouth. A well fit mouthguard will mold to your teeth almost perfectly so that it will stay in place. In any combat sport such as MMA, Muay Thai, or Boxing, it’s so important that your mouthguard is a tight fit so that you can find the perfect balance of comfort and protection.
Size
The second most important factor you should look for in a mouthguard is size. When sparring or training in mma, it’s important to have a mouthguard that fits your mouth correctly. Having the correct size mouthguard will not only will help you breathe correctly, but it’s important that a mouthguard fits your mouth correctly so that you’re fully protected.
Depending on the type of mouthguard, your breathing may also be affected if you get a mouthguard that is too big for your mouth. If you get a mouthguard too small you won’t be fully protected.
Your mouthguard should fit snug against your upper teeth, without needing to bite or clench the mouthguard. If you have to bite or clench to keep your mouthguard in place, your mouthguard does not fit properly. Again, your mouthguard should stay securely and tightly on your upper teeth without falling out or shifting.
Design & Style
This is the last factor you should consider when purchasing a mouthguard for MMA, Boxing, or Muay Thai. Having a great design and style with your mouthguard brings out your unique style which is great, however it is important to remember the most important part about a mouthguard is protection.
Some mouthguards even offer custom designs and texts that you can put on your mouthguard, we included them below. If you want to have a customized color or text you should expect to pay more money for the mouthguard.
Custom vs. Boil and Bite Mouthguard
Custom Fit Mouthguard
Custom fit mouthguards provide the best fit and protection possible for MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai, or any other combat sport that involves a mouthguard. When purchasing a custom-fit mouthguard you’ll receive a mouthguard designed specifically for your mouth and teeth. Creating a custom mouth guard isn’t as hard as it sounds, usually the company creating your custom mouthguard will send you a kit in the mail with instructions detailing what to do.
The typical process takes a few weeks, this includes creating an impression of your teeth then sending that impression back to the company that sent you the kit. You then wait for specialists to create your perfect mouthguard. Alternatively you can visit a dentist to get a mold created of your mouth.
Pros:
– Perfect fit mouthguard for your mouth
– Amazing protection; your mouthguard won’t fall out
– Breathing and speaking is much easier with a custom fit mouthguard
Cons:
– Significantly more expensive than boil and bite
Boil and Bite Mouthguard
The most common type of mouthguard, the boil and bite is an inexpensive alternative to a custom fit mouthguard. Boil and bite mouthguards are made out of a specialized material that is designed to soften in water, conform under pressure, and then solidify for your protection.
Most fighters select boil and bite mouthguards because they are relatively cheap and easy, plus they work great if the molding process is followed correctly. They’re the best mouthguards for MMA because they’re great for protecting your teeth on a tight budget.
Pros:
– Many more styles and designs to choose from
– Inexpensive alternative that fits great if followed correctly
– Quick and easy way to be protected
Cons:
– Might not fit if instructions aren’t followed correctly
The Best Mouthguards for MMA
Impact Custom Professional Mouthguard
This is the same type of mouth guard professional fighters wear. This mouth guard is custom fitted with professional grade ‘fast and easy to use’ impression kit. This kit includes paid postage to the dental lab. 100% perfect fit guaranteed, they take a mold of your teeth so that this mouth guard is sure to fit perfectly! Whether you’re a beginner getting started or a long time veteran in the ring, a solid and comfortable mouthpiece is a worthy investment! These are the best mouthguards for MMA, Boxing, and Muay Thai because they offer the most protection possible.
Pros:
– Custom fitted means the perfect fit for your mouth
– Durable mouthguard that will last a long time
– Multiple and custom designs
Cons:
– Higher Price
Guru Rating: 9.5/10
To purchase this mouthguard on Amazon, click this link: Impact Custom Professional Mouthguard
SISU Mouth Guard Aero
This is the mouthguard I currently use for my sparring and rolling sessions. This mouthguard is absolutely amazing and easily the most comfortable mouthguard on this list. The slim, custom fit design makes it easy to talk, breath and drink without removing the guard, which contributes to better hygiene. This is the perfect mouthguard for beginner sparring or any type of advanced sparring or jiu jitsu rolling. *Case NOT included* These are my favorite because they hold the very best value for fighters look to get great protection while still being able to breathe.
Pros:
– Amazing breathability
– So many awesome colors to choose from
– Slim fit and design makes this mouthguard comfortable from the start
Cons:
– Not as durable as other mouthguards on this list
Guru Rating: 9/10
To purchase this mouthguard on Amazon, click this link: SISU Mouth Guard
Venum Challenger Mouth Guard
The Venum Challenger mouth guard has an advanced design that makes great for optimal breathing during a sparring session. The high density rubber frame makes for a better shock management and top protection. With over 10 different colors to choose from you’ll be able to find your perfect mouth guard. *INCLUDES protective case* The Venum Challenger mouth guard is one of the best mouth guards for MMA, Boxing, and Muay Thai.
Pros:
– Handmade in Thailand; very high quality
– Multiple color-combinations for a great look
– Great protection for your mouth and jawbone
Cons:
– May be hard to breathe as easy with this mouthguard in at first
Guru Rating: 8.5/10
To purchase this mouthguard on Amazon, click this link: Venum Challenger Mouth Guard
ProDefenda Mouthguard
The ProDefenda Mouthguard is a great bite and boil mouthguard for mma. Prodefenda mouthguard provides strategically centralized air holes that allow unobstructed oxygen flow for better breathing. Customized boil and bite fitting with comprehensive and accurate instructions to ensure the tightest and most comfortable fit. The Prodefenda mouthguard features unique anti-slip pads for extra grip, so there’s no worry of your mouthguard falling out while training.
Pros:
– Great design mouthguard for MMA
– Customized boil and bite fitting for a great fit
– Great Return Policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Not too many color combinations to choose from
Guru Rating: 8.5/10
To purchase this mouthguard on Amazon, click this link: ProDefenda Mouthguard
Redline Sportswear Mouthguard w/ Vented Case
Redline Sportswear absolutely killed it with this top of the line mouth guard. Their exclusive dual layer technology provides protection against the most brutal hits. The revolutionary shock resistant design distributes the force of an impact evenly to prevent damage to your teeth, lips, and gums. Redline also added thicker portions to vital areas of the mouthguard to add extra protection to teeth and molars during violent impacts. With over 8 different colors to choose from you’ll be able to find the perfect mouth guard for sparring.
Pros:
– Multiple color combinations for an amazing look
– Duel layer technology helps massive blows
– Protection prevents damage to your teeth and jaw
– Great Return Policy from Amazon
Cons:
– May be difficult to breathe with at first
Guru Rating: 8/10
To purchase this mouthguard on Amazon, click this link: Redline Sportswear Mouthguard w/ Vented Case
RDX Mouthguard
The RDX mouthguard is a boil and bite mouthguard that molds perfectly against teeth alignment and can be re-boiled in case you didn’t get it right the first time. Tri-Flow technology allows air to escape, making breathing under pressure easier. This is excellent technology to have during any type of extreme training. Provides shock-absorbency for all teeth alignments up to the molars.
Pros:
– Multiple color combinations for an amazing look
– Tri-Flow technology allows extra breathability
– Shock-absorbency protection prevents extra damage
– Great Return Policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Mouthguard may feel bulky at first
Guru Rating: 8/10
To purchase this mouthguard on Amazon, click this link: RDX Mouthguard
Shock Doctor Gel Max
Shock Doctor is well known in the mouthguard world for covering all types of sports, from Football to MMA. The Shock Doctor Gel Max comes with a $10,000 dental warranty for peace of mind. This mouthguard is super breathable and includes integrated breathing channels which make it easy to breathe and maximize performance. The protection is insane with heavy duty Exoskeletal Shock Frame which provides incredible protection against even the hardest impacts. The new gel-fit liner is easy to fit and forms to teeth and gums, providing a comfortable fit for extended use.
Pros:
– Multiple color combinations for an amazing look
– Exoskeletal shock frame provides incredible protection
– Gel-fit liner is easy to fit and comfortable
– Great Return Policy from Amazon
Cons:
– Kids sizes can run small
Guru Rating: 8/10
To purchase this mouthguard on Amazon, click this link: Shock Doctor Gel Max
The Bottom Line
It’s always important to wear a mouthguard when training MMA, Boxing, or Muay Thai. Boil and Bite vs. a Custom mouthguard is just the beginning of the decision, remember quality and fit of the mouthguard is much more important than style. It’s great to have a unique style when picking out your mouthguard for mma, however don’t forget a mouthguard is there to protect those pearly whites. Hopefully we were able to help you find the best mouthguard for MMA, Boxing, or Muay Thai.