What types of mouthguards are available? This is a frequently asked question in the shop. In the shop, we often find that (unfortunately) many martial artists underestimate the importance of a mouthguard.
A commonly heard phrase is: "We are not (yet) allowed to strike to the head." Nevertheless, this often happens—especially among beginners in martial arts—albeit unintentionally.
The function and importance of a mouthguard
The function of a mouthguard is also not entirely clear to many people. This is partly due to the term mouthguard itself.
Mouthguards are not only designed to protect the teeth and mouth; they can even prevent jaw fractures and brain injuries.
A good mouthguard protects against all of these potential injuries. In addition, it is often not the impact on the teeth that causes the problem, but the teeth hitting each other. A piece of tooth can easily break off as a result.
There are many different types of mouthguards, ranging from a few euros to hundreds of euros for a custom-made mouthguard fitted by a dentist.
Even the most basic mouthguard provides excellent protection and will be sufficient for most athletes.
These "boil-and-bite" mouthguards are made from thermoplastic material, often silicone. They are softened in hot water for a short time and then immediately bitten into by the user.
This only needs to be done the first time it is used. After each use, the mouthguard can simply be rinsed.
Shock Doctor
Some of the best mouthguards are made by Shock Doctor. Shock Doctor is a renowned brand that offers protection not only for martial arts, but also for many other contact sports where risks are involved.
These include field hockey, ice hockey, and rugby. So feel free to spend a few extra euros on a good-quality mouthguard. New to our range are the Shock Doctor Gel Max Power mouthguards: high-quality mouthguards at reasonable prices.
For people with braces, we have an affordable option, also from Shock Doctor: the SDM Smoke. Normally, mouthguards for braces are very expensive, but this braces mouthguard is very reasonably priced.
Our advice
Always train with a mouthguard! This is of course not necessary during the warm-up, but it is as soon as you do exercises with a partner—and certainly when sparren!
We even have great-tasting mouthguards. For example, the Shock Doctor mouthguard with mint flavor. The answer to the question: what types of mouthguards are available?
Quite a lot, actually.
