The function of a mouthguard, also known as a gum shield, is sometimes underestimated. You probably know that a mouthguard protects your teeth, but did you also know that a mouthguard can help prevent brain injuries, for example?
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Why should you wear a mouthguard for martial arts?
Wearing a mouthguard (gum shield) is important for protection against forces that your teeth and jaws are exposed to, such as punches and kicks in martial arts.
It not only protects your teeth, but also the inside of your cheeks and your gums. A mouthguard distributes external forces and thereby reduces the impact on the head, which reduces the risk of concussion or other brain injuries. It is important that your mouthguard fits properly. You do this by moulding it to your teeth before use.
- A mouthguard protects your teeth, for example, against strong external forces. In martial arts, these mainly involve punches and kicks.
- In addition, wearing a mouthguard is also important for protecting the inside of your cheeks and your gums.
- A mouthguard is generally worn only on the upper jaw. Because your upper teeth naturally overlap your lower teeth, your lower teeth are also protected.
- Because a mouthguard is made of flexible material, it gives slightly when absorbing external forces. This also protects you against jaw fractures.
- As a result, the forces are weakened and the impact on your head is reduced. This also reduces the risk of concussion or other brain injuries.
However, the medical community has never made a definitive statement about this, but in recent years you have noticed that sports involving significant head impact are being viewed more critically.
This applies not only to martial arts, but also, for example, to football (heading) and rugby/American Football (body checks).
What makes a good mouthguard?
There are many different mouthguards available. Since the material lends itself extremely well to colouring, mouthguards are also available in virtually every imaginable colour.
With a mouthguard, however, it is especially important that it feels comfortable and moulds properly to your teeth.
Most mouthguards are therefore also sensitive to boiling water. This softens the mouthguards, after which you can bite into them so that they adapt to your teeth.
Most mouthguards are available in 2 sizes: junior and adult. Nowadays, you are also seeing more and more mouthguards specifically designed for braces appearing on the market.
Best mouthguard and dental protection brands
It is difficult to name one mouthguard brand as the best. Logically, this also depends on the type of sport you practise.
Although mouthguards always serve the same function, manufacturers nevertheless often focus on a particular sport.
In addition to martial arts, hockey is also a sport where wearing a mouthguard is very important. If we had to give our opinion, we would choose: Shock Doctor and SafeJawz.
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Mouthguards for sale at Fight2Win
Because we recognise the importance of mouthguards, we also keep a wide range of mouthguards in stock in our webshop. View the dental protection collection for an overview of all available mouthguards we recommend at Fight2Win.nl.
We have also compiled a best-buy guide based on extensive testing: our top 5 mouthguards for martial arts.
Conclusions, a good mouthguard:
- Protects your teeth
- Protects your gums and the inside of your cheeks
- Helps prevent brain injuries and concussions
- Protects against jaw fractures
