MSM Fight Shop Buyer's Guide: Mouthguards

 

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommend the use of mouth guards for children and adults when playing any sport with the potential for facial injuries. They help protect your teeth and cushion your jaw from impact that can occur during sporting activities. This guide will help new buyers purchase the right mouth guard for their needs.

 

Types of Mouth Guards

Basic (Commercial Mouthguard)

Basic Mouth Guard - Price $4.99

Pros- They are made to be disposable, while giving some degree of protection against light contact sports. Most of them offer the ability to mold to your teeth by boiling them and then biting them. They are inexpensive and available in most sporting goods store.
Cons - They are bulky and will not feel as comfortable as a higher end mouthguard and can make breathing and talking difficult.They will not fit braces properly because they are composed of a thinner rubber compound and they tend to fall out of place when mouth is open. Not the ideal mouthguard for those looking for good protection for their teeth. But having a basic mouth guard is far better than having no protection at all. It’s ideal as a backup mouth guard.

Gel Mouthguards

Venum "Challenger" Mouth Guard - Retail Price $14.99

 

Pros- Composed of a hard outer plastic shell and a thick gel inside layer to disperse impact. Doesn’t require boiling for fitment and molds easily to your teeth when bitten down on the first time. This style of mouthguards provides much better protection and comfort than the basic mouth guards. This type of mouth guards are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most martial arts stores.
Cons- On the downside to this type of mouthguard composed of gel will start to wear out after repeated use.

 

Boil and Bite Mouthguards

Fight Dentist Mouth Guard - Blood Thirsty "Fangs" - Retail Price $19.99

Pros - As the name indicates. They are made from a thermoplastic material that can be boiled and re-boiled until proper fitment. They will mold better and adhere better to your teeth while in use for easier breathing and talking. The thermoplastic rubber compound will also absorb more shock thanks to its thicker outer barrier.This style of mouth guard provides superior protection and comfort. They are as close as you can get to a custom made mouth guard without the expensive price tag. These types of mouthguards are the most used type by athletes.
Cons- If molded incorrectly, it can lead to damage to your teeth and jaw during sporting activities. Be sure to have someone who has experience with this type of mouth guards if this is your first time.

Custom Made Mouthguards

Shock Doctor Custom Mouth Guard Kit - Price $199.99

 

Pros - They are good mouth guards money can buy. Some of these type of mouth guard may require the aid of a dentist to pre-mold your teeth and use a special polymer that will give the best protection for your teeth. They are very comfortable, don’t interfere with breathing and will last you longer if taken care of correctly.
Cons- Because of the work required to make them they come at a hefty price. They price range can be anywhere from $200 - $1000 depending on the company.

 

Caring for your Mouthguards

Taking care of your mouth guard is essential to prolonging the life of the product and also for health and hygiene purposes.

• Store your Mouthguard in a case to keep it secure in gym bag and protect it from direct sunlight.

Be sure to dry the mouth guard correctly before placing inside a case. If left wet, it can lead to mold growth.


Fight Dentist Mouthguard Case - Price $9.99

• Keep Mouth Guard Away From Direct Sunlight

The heat from the sun can damage of the plastic and lead to incorrect molding.

• Do not store mouthguard wet or with dirty gym clothes.

It’s pretty self explanatory, keeping your mouth guard dry and not near dirty clothes can help prevent from causing growth of bacteria and mold which can potentially lead to health problems.

• Do not wash mouth guard in hot water.

Cleaning the mouth guard after every use is needed. Be sure to wash with cold water to preserve the plastic. Warm and hot water can damage the guard.

• Leave or soak in mouth wash to kill all the bacteria.

Sterilizing the mouth guard is a must. Bacteria naturally grows on it and using mouth wash sterilizes it.

Be sure to check out the wide selection of mouthguards @MSMFIGHTSHOP use thepromo code: Blog01 to receive 10% offyour purchase of any mouth guard or mouth guard accessories.