Boxing is a sport that, like all combat sports, requires careful protection for its participants. In addition to the range of rules designed to prevent serious injuries, it is essential to equip yourself with the necessary gear to protect yourself from the most dangerous blows.
The mouthguard is one of the most important elements in the boxing ring. The market is full of various mouthguards; to ensure proper protection, it is essential to choose one that fits your size and teeth. Here, we provide everything you need to know about mouthguards in boxing.
The Mouthguard: Multiple Layers of Protection
People often think that the only role of a mouthguard is to protect the teeth of boxers or combat sports practitioners in general. In reality, it offers much more protection.
It is an essential accessory that prevents you from losing or breaking teeth during a fight, but it also helps protect your tongue, which you could accidentally bite. A tongue bite during a boxing, MMA, or other combat sports match could partially or completely sever it.
Similarly, the mouthguard acts as an intermediate layer between the lips and teeth, and between the cheeks and teeth.
Thus, the mouthguard offers multiple protections and is simply indispensable during a boxing match to avoid severe injuries. Additionally, it has been proven that the mouthguard, by cushioning blows, provides fairly effective protection against concussions, which are prevalent in English boxing and other combat sports.
Using a Mouthguard in Training
Be aware that a mouthguard is mandatory not only during a match but also during training. Whether you practice English boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), judo, or any other similar sport, the mouthguard is indispensable during training due to the protection it provides.
How to Choose Your Mouthguard?
Like boxing gloves, a mouthguard should be chosen based on your individual needs. First, you should know that there are three different types of mouthguards, which are as follows:
- The standard mouthguard: This is the low-end product. It is the cheapest on the market but doesn’t provide sufficient protection due to its poor quality and often improper fit for your mouth.
- The thermoformable mouthguard: Also called a moldable mouthguard, this one fits the shape of your teeth. You just need to dip it in boiling water, take it out, put it in your mouth carefully to avoid burns, and then dip it in cold water so it holds its shape. Unless you’re a professional boxer, this option should be more than enough for you.
- The custom-made mouthguard: This one is the most reliable and effective for protection, but also the most expensive. This type is made after taking dental impressions and should be chosen if you compete as a boxer. Otherwise, thermoformable mouthguards are a more affordable option.
Criteria for Choosing a Mouthguard
The first thing to check when choosing your mouthguard is whether you feel comfortable wearing it. If it’s not comfortable, move on. It’s also important to check if you can breathe easily while wearing it. Lastly, assess its flexibility and manufacturing quality to determine its durability.
However, keep in mind that mouthguard sellers usually don’t allow returns after a trial for hygiene reasons.
Some Examples of Mouthguards
Here are a few mouthguard models that are among the best available on the market.
Venum Predator
If you practice English boxing or MMA, you are probably familiar with the Venum brand, one of the most renowned in its field. Known for producing boxing shoes, gloves, and punching bags, Venum also manufactures mouthguards for combat sports.
The Predator, available for 22 euros, is an excellent option for protection. It absorbs blows well, has exceptional build quality, and comes with many recognized certifications. These certifications attest to its quality and the protection it can provide. This product is available on Amazon but does not offer return options.
Shock Doctor 3300
This mouthguard is particularly suited for people who have difficulty breathing while wearing such equipment. With a well-designed breathing channel, the Shock Doctor 3300 is a great choice for you if you struggle with mouthguards.
You can use it in French boxing, English boxing, karate, or any type of combat sport. Complying with NFHS standards, this equipment provides good protection for your teeth and lips. Its only downside is its weight and size, which are a bit larger than usual. This product is available for 33 euros on Amazon.
Venum Challenger
Again from the French brand Venum, the Challenger is one of the mouthguards we recommend trying. With a very lightweight design, this piece of equipment offers guaranteed comfort while providing the necessary protection for boxing.
Available in 10 different colors, this moldable mouthguard fits the shape of your teeth particularly well. It offers high quality for only 15 euros, available on Amazon.
Everlast Thermoformable
Everlast is one of the most renowned brands in the boxing world, alongside Venum. This mouthguard is available for 25 euros on Amazon and offers decent protection. Its only drawback is its lack of flexibility, which is its main weakness.