Complete Guide To Choosing a Mouthguard for Boxing

1. Complete Guide To Choosing a Mouthguard for Boxing You wouldn’t wanna step out of the ring with crooked teeth, torn jaw and bleeding gums, right? The minute you step into the ring, your entire body, especially your face, becomes vulnerable to punches and blows.Unfortunately, a head guard might not be enough to protect your jaw and teeth. Like MMA artists, boxers and professional athletes, you can also get a mouthguard to protect your teeth and jaw during the game. In this blog post, we bring the most important things you need to know about choosing a mouthguard. But before all that, let’s discuss how should a mouthguard fit in your mouth.

2. How Should a Mouthguard Fit? A properly fitting mouthguard SHOULD: Fit comfortably in your mouth Completely grip your teeth and gums Align with your teeth level Stable enough to protect you from impact A mouthguard Should: NOT interfere with your speaking or breathing NOT be uncomfortable or have sharp edges

3. How to Wear a Gum Shield Step-By-Step Process Take Your Gum Shield Out of the wrapping and clean it using mild water and soap. Tip: DON’T use harsh cleaning agents or abrasive materials that may damage the mouthguard. Get a saucepan of water boiling on the stove. Carefully drop your mouthguard into the boiling water. Turn off the stove and let it sit in there for 15 seconds. Tip: Use a Spoon or Tongs to avoid getting burned when submerging the mouthguard in boiling water. Take it out of the boiling water and give it a few seconds to cool down. Again, use a spoon or tongs to do this step. Tip: Dunk the mouthguard in Cool water for 5 Second or use the Hand Wave technique to bring the surface level temperature to a comfortable level. Check the mouthguard temperature using your fingertips. It should be warm but not too hot. Tip: Hot mouthguard has better moulding properties and fits your mouth better. But for your safety, cool it down to the appropriate temperature.

4. How Does a Gum Shield Work? Gum shields are like safety helmets for your jaws and teeth. They absorb and distribute the force shock force from impacts during high-contact sports like hockey, rugby, MMA and boxing. A high-quality mouthguard fully covers your teeth and gums and cushions your jaw against impact force. Moreover, it acts as a barrier between your upper and lower jaw to prevent jaw dislocation, teeth fractures, chipping and concussions. What Happens If You Don’t Wear a MouthGuard For Boxing? Dental Injuries: Dental professional research reveals that athletes who don’t use mouthguards are prone to tooth fractures, tooth dislodgement, and soft tissue injuries in the mouth. Studies reveal that mouthguards are very effective against dental injuries. [1] Painful Tooth Fractures: Tooth fracture is the most common type of dental injury in boxing sports [2]. A mouthguard cushions your teeth against minor tooth chips or severe fractures, saving you from extensive dental treatments like root canals or tooth extractions.

5. Concussion Risk: Recent research suggests that sports related dental injuries are linked to concussions. Not wearing a mouthguard makes you susceptible to head trauma. [5] So, in other words, a mouthguard offers the following benefits: Cushions teeth against punches and blows Protects soft tissues in the mouth from trauma and injuries Reduces risk of head and neck concussions Prevents jaw and neck injuries Prevents jaw and mouth joint injuries

6. What Things to Consider When Choosing a Mouthguard for Boxing? When selecting a mouthguard for boxing, there are several key factors to consider for optimal protection and comfort: Impact Absorption: Choose a mouthguard specifically designed for high-impact sports like boxing. Look for excellent shock absorption capabilities to minimize the risk of dental injuries. Thickness and Durability: Opt for a mouthguard with adequate thickness to provide cushioning against punches and impacts. It should also be durable enough to withstand repeated use and maintain its shape over time. Ease of Cleaning: Select a mouthguard that is easy to clean and maintains hygiene. Look for materials that resist bacterial buildup and can be easily rinsed or brushed clean after each use.

7. Why do Referees Remove the Mouthguard when a Fighter is Knocked Out? It is a common sight in boxing matches. When a referee quickly removes a fighter’s mouthguard during a match, it is to: ensure the fighter can breathe properly and prevent the choking risks During intense bouts, a fighter’s mouthguard may shift or become loose. The referee’s immediate instinct is to make sure the fighter can breathe without obstruction. By doing this, the referee helps the fighter catch their breath and clear their airway. When a fighter is knocked out, he may lose consciousness and the gag reflexes. So if the mouthguard slips towards the back of their throat, it may potentially choke them. The referee swiftly acts to remove the mouthguard to clear the airway.

8. The Bottomline Mouthguards for boxing is a must-have for martial artists, contact sports players and fighters. They protect your teeth, jaws and even your skull from impact force. When choosing a mouthguard for boxing, look for a durable, multi-density and breathable boil-and-bite mouthguard. Carefully follow the fitting instructions to ensure a secure and stable mouth guard fitting which doesn’t interfere with your speech or breathing.