Why do you need a boxing mouth guard?
Boxing mouthguard - accurately follows the shape of the jaw and protects the oral cavity during a fight. A dental insert is a mandatory element of sports equipment. Without protection, a fighter will not be allowed into the ring.
Why is the plate needed? 1. Protects teeth from knocking out and chipping. 2. Protects the oral cavity from internal cuts. If there is no mouthguard, then the lips and cheeks are torn from the impact of the fangs and sharp edges of the teeth. 3. Prevents tongue biting during impact. 4. Covers gums from cuts. 5. Protects the jaw from dislocations and fractures. 6. Reduces the risk of concussion.
Mouth guard size
An athlete should always consider the amount of protection they are purchasing. Of course, a lot depends on personal preference. If additional cushioning is needed, a larger mouth guard will be required. However, the downside is that the front will stick out, making the mouth guard less comfortable and making it difficult to close your mouth completely.
If the burl turns out to be long, you can trim it at the ends.
Do not forget that not only adults, but also children practice boxing. When choosing a size, it is strongly recommended to select equipment according to age.
Types of boxing guards
The sports industry offers various types of boxing mouthguards. The characteristics can indicate everything from color to type of flavoring. In order not to get confused in this diversity, we will use the classical classification. Let us highlight three main features: type of protection, material, thickness.
Type of protection (purpose)
Based on the type of protection, the plates are divided into two types.
1. Double-sided mouthguard. The protection covers both jaws. This option is recommended for beginners and for training sparring. The peculiarity of the plate is that it must be compressed by two jaws. This makes mouth breathing difficult. Therefore, professionals prefer single-jaw onlays.
2. Single-sided mouthguard. The plate sits tightly on the upper jaw. Doesn't fall out when you open your mouth. Doesn't make breathing difficult. This liner does not cover the lower jaw. Teeth protection is provided by high-tech materials and a special design of the mouth guard.
Type of material
All materials for boxing mouth guards are divided into two groups: thermoplastic and cast (non-thermoplastic). Among thermoplastic protectors, there is a separate type – dental ones.
Molded pads
Sold ready-made. Take it out of the box and put it on your jaw. Convenient, but impractical. It is difficult to select a cast plate taking into account individual characteristics. If the liner dangles, then you can’t count on good protection.
Thermoplastic mouth guards
Thermoplastic material is a semi-finished product. The new mouthguard is heated and “put on the teeth.” The plate cools and takes the exact shape of the jaw.
The anatomical precision of the pad guarantees reliable protection during combat. We will tell you below how to “cook” and put on a mouth guard correctly.
Dental protectors
An individual cast is made of both jaws of the athlete.
Contact a sports dentist. Making a plaster cast. Then, on a special machine, your personal protection is pressed.
The service is not cheap. For a professional boxer, this is not only protection, but also a way to express his extravagance. You can order any color and make a threatening inscription.
Overlay thickness
The thickness of the protective plate depends on the number of layers. Boxing mouthguards are produced in single-layer and multi-layer.
Single layer plates
A single layer plate will provide one level of protection. When choosing such a mouthguard, pay attention to the height of the front side. The front (outer) wall should be high. The high side solves two issues at once.
The first is to protect the gums. Secondly, it redistributes the shock load. I'll say it in other words. Removes part of the shock wave from the front teeth and directs it to the entire gum and palate.
Multi-layer protection
A double-layer mouthguard is the choice of most boxers. Two layers provide double protection.
The outer layer, more rigid, is made of rubber (rubber). Its task is to absorb and “dissipate” the force of the blow.
The inner layer, soft, consists of gel. It does two things. Firstly, it perfectly follows the shape of the jaw and teeth. Secondly, it provides shock absorption during an impact.
Some manufacturers offer three-layer models. The structure is strengthened by special inserts for the outer frame. The inner layer has shock-absorbing cushions.
Inexpensive models
Inexpensive models of protective plates can be found in almost any sports store. They are characterized by low cost and average reliability. Considered the best option for amateur training.
Ray sport
Inexpensive thermoplastic single-jaw insert, which is designed for adult athletes over 18 years of age. Suitable for women and men. The protection is able to take the shape of the owner's jaw after heat treatment. The price of the nozzle varies between 200-250 rubles. The disadvantages include the fact that you can only buy it in specialized stores for boxers and fighters. Supplied in a plastic box.
Excalibur 1566
Static silicone model of transparent color, suitable for teenagers and adults. Produced in Pakistan. It is odorless and tasteless. A good option for cycling or non-professional combat training. Users cited the transparency and softness of the material as advantages. The disadvantages are the standard form, which is not suitable for everyone, and one-sided protection. The price of the plate does not exceed 300 rubles.
Everlast 1 jaw Single
The Everlast single jaw plate is considered one of the best professional boxing accessories, which has also found fans among other contact martial arts. It is made of thermoplastic, which, after steaming in hot water, is able to repeat the shape of the owner’s jaw. Transparent color allows you to notice and assess the extent of damage in time and provide the necessary assistance. Designed for adult athletes or large teenagers. Average price – 350-400 rubles.
Bn Fight Blue
A professional static fighting pad that can simultaneously protect both the upper and lower jaw. The insert is designed with a special shape that allows you to distribute the impact force between the front and back teeth. It is made from a gel, which is covered with a harder substance on top. Despite the standard type, it fits comfortably on the jaw, is equipped with holes for breathing, and does not interfere with talking. Suitable for adult men and women. The price in the Russian Federation ranges from 380-450 rubles.
The best manufacturers of mouth guards for boxing and MMA
There are many companies that make mouthguards for contact sports. But there are brands that are among the best, in any rating.
SHOCK DOCTOR
American brand Shock Doctor, a leader among manufacturers of protective equipment. They specialize in the production of boxing mouth guards from high-tech gel. Even inexpensive models have a three-layer construction.
Manufacturers claim that thanks to high technology, the mouthguard absorbs 40% of impact energy. That's why they produce models with low sides. The protector provides reliable protection to both jaws and does not interfere with conversation.
The manufacturer is so confident in its product that it guarantees compensation of up to 15 thousand dollars to anyone who loses a tooth while using the onlay.
VENUM
The company specializes in the production of protective equipment for professionals. The brand was founded in 2006. The central office is located in Brazil.
The founders of Venum know first-hand what it's like to miss a beat. The origins of the brand are Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters. The company was created specifically for the production of sports equipment.
Manufacturers Venum maintain close relationships with UFC stars. The best fighters of the Cell are involved in the development of new defense models.
OPRO
The English brand was founded in 1997. The company is a licensed partner of the UFC. This fact says a lot. You can trust such protection.
In addition, all OPRO models have an antibacterial coating. The package includes an antimicrobial box. In 2007, Opro received the Queen's Award for Innovation in Oral Protection.
EVERLAST
The brand was founded in 1910 in the USA. Specializes in the production of sportswear and protective equipment for martial arts.
The campaign's products are chosen by world-famous stars. Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and many other boxing geniuses performed in EVERLAST equipment.
Over a hundred years, the company has accumulated vast experience in the development of security elements and has its own patented technologies. For example, boxing gloves contain “EverGEL” - a special gel, the composition of which is kept secret. It protects your wrists by cushioning and dissipating impact energy. The same technologies are used in boxing mouth guards.
To make the famous brand available to the masses, production was moved to China. Affordable prices, plus modern technologies. Summarize and you will understand why Everlast mouthguards are known in all boxing schools.
What other requirements apply to good mouthguards?
- color. Oddly enough, it matters here. The main thing is that it is light and not red. All this is done so that dangerous damage can be noticed in time;
- absence of smell, taste, aroma, etc. These characteristics must be at an absolutely zero level, because over time they begin to irritate the owner, or even cause allergic reactions;
- The pad should not be felt in your mouth at all. Indeed: good mouth guards do not cause any pain, do not cause discomfort, do not interfere with speaking, breathing, or hinder movements;
- You should choose a rubber according to the sport you are playing. Wrestling mouthguards will be uncomfortable for hockey players and vice versa. Mouthguards differ even by gender: male and female.
Which mouthguard to choose
When choosing a boxing mouth guard, remember how much a visit to the dentist costs. “Repairing” one tooth will cost more than a good insert.
Production leaders refused to produce double-sided protectors (for both jaws). Therefore, we will not consider them.
Single-sided plates, as you now know, come in one-, two- and three-layer types. Prices for single-layer protectors start from 150 rubles.
A reliable three-layer Everlast mouthguard , with the maximum degree of protection, will cost 1000-1100 rubles.
Need recommendations from MMA fighters - choose Venum . The defense was created by fighters based on personal experience. With such a boxing mouth guard you can go into the ring. Professional protection costs 1200 to 2500 rubles.
If you want a bright design from British aristocrats, check out Opro mouth guards .
The undisputed favorite remains the brand - Shock Doctor . Three-layer protection, a wide price range, warranty obligations - this is the number one policy.
The history of the creation of the mouth guard
The reliable date of the appearance of the first mouth guard is unknown. However, many facts indicate that it was first used by boxers. Initially, athletes made this device themselves. They used cotton, wood and various ribbons as materials for modeling. The first plates were primitive and did not fit tightly on the teeth, so the fighters were forced to clamp such a mouthguard with their own teeth. This circumstance did not allow me to fully concentrate on the battle.
In 1892, dentist Wulf Kraus developed the first prototype of a natural rubber boxing mouth guard. They were attached to the upper incisors of boxers. Such a mouth guard was worn exclusively before the athlete entered the ring.
Philip Krause (son of Wulf Krause) is responsible for the development of reusable protective plates. One of these caps was given to Ted Lewis (Philip's school friend) before his fight with Jack Britton (1921).
However, there is other information about the appearance of the mouthguard. For example, dentist Thomas A. Carlos stated that he created the mouthguard back in 1916. He proposed his invention to Dinny O'Keeffe in 1919. Allen Frank claimed that, beginning in 1919, he made mouthguards in large quantities directly for boxers.
Until 1927, the use of mouth guards in boxing was prohibited. However, after the fight between Jack Sharkey and Mike McTeague, the ban was lifted. Such a dramatic turn in the world of boxing occurred due to the fact that Makting defeated his opponent throughout the entire fight. However, after a chipped tooth and a cut lip, the judge decided to remove him from the fight due to severe bleeding. It was this moment that became the precedent for making the mouthguard an integral element of the equipment of all boxers.
In 1947, Los Angeles dentist Rodney Liliquist was the first to make a mouth guard from clear acrylic resin. Such a plate completely copied the shape of the jaw, was tightly attached to the teeth and even allowed the athlete to talk. It was a real breakthrough. Since 1960, sports mouth guards have been used in all contact sports (football, hockey, acrobatics, equestrian sports, etc.).
Choosing protection for a child
A children's mouthguard is different in size from an adult's. Manufacturers produce two types of earbuds.
Children's – up to 10 years old, for a child under 140 cm tall. Adult – over 10 years old, for an athlete taller than 140 centimeters.
If the mouthguard turns out to be large, then the size is adjusted after “trying on”. Cut the long ends of the plate with a sharp knife or blade. If necessary, the protector can be “cooked” again.
The OPRO company produces special mouth guards for children . Professional orthopedists take part in the development of new models.
If your child has braces, purchase a specialized mouth guard. It’s called “for braces.”
A mouthguard is an important element of sports paraphernalia. The child must be present at all types of competitions. Both at city tournaments and at federal and international ones.
The purpose of the mouth guard is to absorb damage from blows. Protect your child's teeth during combat. Make sure that the athlete does not injure them during competitions. Didn't knock out or get chipped.
We will tell you how to choose a mouth guard. And what aspects to pay attention to when purchasing it.
What is a mouth guard for?
A mouthguard is a mandatory piece of equipment. If a child does not have it, he will not be able to compete.
Moreover, in most sports sections you cannot even train without a mouth guard. Without it, the coach may not allow the child to participate in regular sparring sessions with teammates in the martial arts club.
A mouthguard is needed to:
- Protect your child's teeth. Thanks to wearing a mouthguard, the athlete will not experience chips. Also, his teeth will not be knocked out even if he receives strong blows to the jaw.
- Protect the inside of your child's mouth from injury. The child's teeth will not come into contact with the inside of the cheeks and lips. As a result, the child will not experience minor cuts. The walls of the mouth will not receive lacerations.
- Reduce damage taken. The mouth guard prevents any blows to the jaw. It absorbs forty percent of damage.
What sports are mouth guards used in?
Mouthguards are used not only in martial arts, but also in many other sports. They are worn:
- Hockey players.
- American football players.
- Basketball players.
- Football players (however, mouthguards are used quite rarely in this sport).
- Skiers. Mouthguards are used in traumatic disciplines of this sport.
We will focus on mouth guards specifically for martial arts.
Types of mouthguards by structure
There are several types of mouth guards according to their structure. Let's look at them.
Single jawed
Single jaw mouthguards have an alternative name. They are also called unilateral.
Single-jaw models are very popular among athletes. In them, children have the opportunity to breathe freely. And even talk while wearing it. This is achieved due to the presence of special holes in the mouthguard, which provide the child’s mouth with maximum ventilation.
The advantage of single-jaw models is that they fit very comfortably in the mouth. The child will have the opportunity to perfectly adjust the product to the size of the jaw. At the same time, the child will not feel the single-jaw mouthguard during training. It is very convenient to use.
In the case of martial arts, single-jaw mouth guards are worn not on the lower jaw, but on the upper jaw. There they are conveniently fixed. And they don't subside.
Single-sided mouthguards are recommended for purchase by professional athletes. For beginners and amateurs they will be inconvenient.
Double jaw guards
Double jaw mouth guards are also called double mouth guards. They are used by both beginning athletes and amateurs.
Double mouthguards offer a better level of protection than single-sided models. They are safe to use.
The disadvantage of double mouthguards is that they have a very bulky design. It will be difficult for a child to breathe in such products.
Even though double mouth guards have holes in their structure, they still have poor levels of ventilation. It will be problematic for a child to spar in them throughout the fight.
However, don't worry. If your child exercises in a double mouth guard often, he will be able to get used to it. And then he won’t have any problems with breathing during the fight.
Double mouthguards are recommended for purchase by beginners and amateurs. Also, girls can wear them.
The advantage of double mouthguards is that they will protect a beginner’s jaw even from strong blows. At the same time, the child will experience minimal discomfort when receiving a blow to the jaw.
Classification of mouthguards by level of professionalism
Mouthguards for martial arts vary in level of professionalism. Let's look at them.
Molded mouth guards (for beginners)
Molded mouthguards are the standard type of these paraphernalia elements.
They have a low cost. And they are very thin in width.
Because of this, the child may mistakenly bite the mouth guard into two parts. This can happen right during the fight.
If a child bites through the mouth guard, the situation can turn disastrous against him. The athlete can injure the inside of the mouth. And even swallow small particles of the mouth guard.
Another disadvantage of molded mouthguards is that they are difficult to use. It is very difficult to fix them in the mouth so that they do not fall off.
The main disadvantage of cast mouthguards is that they do not provide the child with a sufficient level of protection. If he gets into a difficult fight, there is a risk that the opponent will still manage to damage the athlete’s teeth.
Suitable for beginners.
Thermoplastic (for beginners and amateurs)
Thermoplastic products have an alternative name. They are also called thermocaps.
Thermoplastic models are very popular among athletes. They are often used by beginners and amateurs.
The advantage of thermal caps is that you can make them any size. To do this, simply throw the product into hot water. And hold it there for several minutes.
The advantage of thermocaps is that they can be very easily fixed in the mouth. At the same time, they will not change their location even with strong impacts. And clashes with an opponent.
Most thermocaps have several types of materials in their structure. They can be made from either hard or soft rubber.
Professional mouth guards
Professional mouthguards are purchased exclusively by professionals. Representatives of martial arts who receive money for fights.
Professional mouthguards have an alternative name. They are also called individual.
Professional mouthguards are created based on individual measurements of the athlete’s oral cavity. Before making the model, a cast is taken from the child’s jaw. A mouthguard is created based on the impression received. It is adjusted to the dimensions of the athlete’s jaw.
The advantage of professional mouth guards is that they ideally protect the child’s mouth from various injuries. In them, the child almost never suffers serious damage to his teeth.
Another advantage of professional mouthguards is that they can have any design. If you want, you can put your child's name on a similar mouthguard. And also the name of the sports club he represents.
Custom mouthguards are used exclusively by professional athletes.
Cap materials
Mouth guards are made from several types of materials. Let's look at them.
Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic is the same material as elastic polymer. It is most often used to create sports mouthguards.
Thermoplastic has high strength. Also, it is very flexible.
The advantage of thermoplastic mouth guards is that they can be adjusted to fit any jaw size. To do this, just heat the product in boiling water. And fix it in your mouth for a certain time.
Gel material
Mouthguards made from gel material are created quite rarely. They have a soft structure. And they are not very durable. Because of this, they can lose their shape and break through during a collision between a child and an opponent.
Some mouth guards add several different types of gel. This is done so that the child can absorb the impact on his teeth. And he did not injure them during a collision with the opponent’s hand.
Rubber
This material is also used to create mouth guards. However, it is not particularly popular among athletes. Because it has a very rigid structure. And it doesn't absorb shock well.
Unusual mouthguards with additional elements
There are unusual mouthguards with additional elements in the structure. They are more comfortable to wear than conventional products. And they have a number of useful characteristics.
Let's look at mouthguards with additional elements.
Flavored mouth guards
Flavored mouth guards are a very interesting invention. They have an unusual smell. May smell like mint. Or an orange.
When a child trains in such a mouthguard, he will feel the refreshing smell of fruits. Thanks to this, during training the child’s mood and morale will rise.
Mouth guards for braces
If your child has braces, you can buy him a specialized mouth guard, which is called “for braces.” It will not only adapt to the athlete’s teeth. But it will also fit the child’s braces.
Conclusion
Mouthguards for martial arts are sold in all sports stores. You can buy your child a model that will not only protect their teeth well, but will also please your child.
On Vikids you can:
-View boxing mouthguards for combat sports. Or add your store
-Chat with other parents on the forum.
-View the location of sports stores on the map.
How to “cook” a boxing mouthguard, instructions (video)
In fact, there is no need to cook the kapa. The workpiece is immersed in hot water (80-90° C) for 30-60 seconds. The exact time and water temperature are indicated in the instructions.
Then the plate is taken out, shaken (or dipped in cold water for 1 second) and put on the teeth.
The plate is pressed on the teeth with your fingers. The insert must be pulled over the gum and pressed tightly against the teeth.
After the protector is placed on the upper jaw, you need to close your teeth and bite down. There is no need to clench your teeth too hard to avoid biting through the protector.
The last step is to immerse the liner in cold water.
To reinforce the information, watch the video. It's easier to see once than to read twice.
How is a thermoplastic mouth guard made?
By and large, all these mouth guards need to be cooked the same way; there is no significant difference in this process, regardless of the brand and purpose. Almost always, the mouth guard comes with instructions for use and cooking, which are best to read.
- it is necessary to boil water in a small container, but sufficient for the mouthpiece to fit entirely and be covered with water;
- the mouthguard should be placed in water for no more than 30 seconds;
- you need to remove the mouthguard and wait. until it burns your mouth. But don’t let it cool down either. Then put it on your teeth and squeeze it tightly, and roll the outer sides over your teeth with your fingers.
- The correct readiness of the mouth guard can be judged by the fact that when it has cooled down, it sits comfortably and tightly on the teeth and does not fall off when opening the mouth.
As a result of the right actions, you will get an individual pad that will reliably protect you for a long time.
Video instructions for cooking kapa:
We’ll have time to fight and save our teeth: rating of the best boxing guards in 2020
top best
A mouthguard is a mandatory protective device that allows young and adult athletes to remain one with their teeth.
Andrey Kashirsky
Protects teeth from a young age
When a man or woman decides to try their hand at any type of contact martial arts, they must understand what exactly they will have to face. Rougher sports build character and make the body stronger, but without proper protection you can easily damage something. In order to protect the teeth and jaw from strong blows and unexpected circumstances, boxing mouthguards were invented that completely protect the rows of teeth and absorb up to 40% of the force put into the blow.
A mouthguard helps keep more than just your teeth intact. It protects the soft tissues of the oral cavity, which in case of strong contact can be cut, the gums and helps the jaw remain in its rightful place and not fly out anywhere. The editors of Zuzako decided to study in more detail the products available on the market, compare their reliability and, based on the information collected, compiled a rating of the best mouth guards for boxing in 2022.
How to use a mouthguard?
Thermoplastic plates can only be used after being “cooked” and adjusted to fit your own jaw. If you do not follow this order, then the mouthguard will be of no use. Molded protective caps can be used immediately after purchase. When using a mouth guard, you must adhere to a number of conditions, namely:
- The thermoplastic trays have special tongues, the main purpose of which is to help with immersion and removal during “cooking”. Before using such plates, the “tongue” must be cut. Otherwise, the athlete may get injured because of it.
- When the mouthguard is correctly put on, the jaw closes to a stationary state. The plate used should not change the bite or cause discomfort. If at least one of the listed signs is present, the use of a mouthguard is not recommended.
- The teeth and gums should fit snugly into the “grooves” of the mouth guard. The loose position of the plate in the mouth with clenched teeth indicates that it was chosen incorrectly (not in size). It is better to refuse such a mouth guard.
- Protective plates should not be worn over dentures.
- If the fit of a thermoplastic mouth guard is unsuccessful, the procedure can be repeated a couple more times to achieve the desired result.
A mouthguard is not a durable element of protection, so it must be changed periodically. In addition, the need to replace it is indicated by the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
What are the risks of refusing a mouthguard?
What can happen if you neglect to wear it? A serious injury that requires time to recover. A knocked out tooth is more of an aesthetic component of an injury, after which you won’t need to miss training (however, it all depends on what the dentist says). A jaw fracture requires a splint for 2-3 weeks. A concussion can affect the mental functions of the brain, which is also very bad. So it is in the interests of the athlete himself to buy a suitable mouthguard and practice defense and counterattack techniques. Good luck to everyone!
