Best Mouthguard For MMA & Boxing: Guard Against Power Punches
Contents
- The 7 Best MMA Mouthguards Reviewed
- 1. Venum Challenger Mouthguard - Best Overall
- 2. Shock Doctor Gel Max - Best Multi-Sport Option
- 3. Sisu 1.6 Aero Guard - Most Lightweight
- 4. Shock Doctor Max Airflow - Most Breathable
- 5. Sanabul Single Boil And Bite - Most Affordable
- 6. FIGHTR Premium Mouth Guard - Most Customizable
- 7. Damage Control Mouthguard - Most Shock Absorbent
- What’s The Purpose Of A Mouthguard?
- Types Of Mouthguards
- Custom-fit Mouthguard
- Boil And Bite Mouthguard
- Choosing The Best Mouthguard For MMA & Boxing
- Size
- Comfort
- Style
- Conclusion
- Sources
If you are a boxer, a fighter, or do a lot of grappling, there is no question that you need a properly fitting mouth guard. You never know when that hit might come, and one punch can chip or knock out teeth or cut your lips and tongue.
That is why a mouthguard is required gear: the Unified Rules of MMA say a round cannot begin without one. In this article, we will review some of the best mouthguards for MMA and boxing. Our overall pick is the Venum Challenger Mouthguard.
The 7 Best MMA Mouthguards Reviewed
1. Venum Challenger Mouthguard - Best Overall
The Venum Challenger Mouthguard is our best mouthguard for MMA and boxing, overall. Venum is one of the best-known MMA gear brands.
The Challenger is a boil-and-bite mouthguard made for combat sports, and it works for boxing, MMA, and Muay Thai training and sparring.
It pairs a firm outer layer with a softer gel frame that you mold to your teeth, which helps it stay in place while still letting you breathe.
Most of all, Venum mouthguards look so stylish even with basic colors. Plus, the product comes with a protective case.
Pros
- Exceptional quality
- Firm outer shell with a moldable gel frame
- Provides comfort when inserting or adjusting
- Includes a protective case
- Multi-color combinations
Cons
- May feel bulky for people with small mouths
- Users may find it difficult to breathe at first
Takeaway
The Venum Challenger is a strong, affordable pick for boxers, and MMA and Muay Thai fighters will like it too.
2. Shock Doctor Gel Max - Best Multi-Sport Option
Shock Doctor has a strong reputation for protective gear across contact sports, and its mouthguards are among the most widely used.
Breathability matters for fighters, too. With this in mind, Shock Doctor has integrated breathing channels in this product to allow the user to breathe with ease.
The Gel Max has a firm outer frame around a softer gel liner. No mouthguard makes your teeth immune to damage, but a well-fitted one spreads the force of a hit.
Another notable feature of the product is the gel-fit liner. It is designed to fit the mouth frame than other mouthguards on the market. Most users love that it inserts easily on the teeth while providing comfort to the gums.
Pros
- Firm frame with a gel-fit liner
- Good impact protection
- Super breathable
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Comfortable and easy to fit
Cons
- Kids sizes tend to run small
- The thick and durable material may be bulky for some
Takeaway
With its sturdy frame, this is one of the most durable mouthguards on our list, and it works for MMA, boxing, and jiu-jitsu.
3. Sisu 1.6 Aero Guard - Most Lightweight
The Sisu Aero Model is one of the thinnest mouthguards on the market. At 1.6 mm thick, it feels very light in your mouth.
Unlike traditional sports mouthguard, this lightweight model is a great fit with a unique blend of comfort and convenience. It is the ideal mouthguard for use by youths and adults on any sparring or rolling sessions.
It stays in place while you breathe and drink. You mold it at home like a boil-and-bite guard, and it can be remolded for a closer fit.
SISU says its Diffusix design spreads impact across the guard. Its thin profile makes it popular for BJJ, where accidental knees and elbows happen but heavy strikes don't. For hard sparring, a thicker guard gives more protection.
Pros
- Slim fit design for the utmost comfort
- Thin, low-profile design
- Great breathability
- Available in various colors
- Best value for money
Cons
- The holes can be uncomfortable when they meet the tongue and upper lip
- Difficulty in molding the mouthguard to your mouth frame
- Not durable
Takeaway
Overall, this is the best mouthguard here for BJJ rolling. It is comfortable and breathable, with solid protection for grappling.
4. Shock Doctor Max Airflow - Most Breathable
Max Airflow Mouth Guard is another entry of Shock Doctor on the list but with different features. This one focuses on breathability.
The BPA-free mouthguard has a wide front opening for airflow. It was designed for football, where it is very popular, so it comes with a helmet strap.
If you wear braces, ask your orthodontist which mouthguard to use; Shock Doctor sells separate models made for braces. If you are an out-boxer who values easy breathing, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Brilliant breathability
- Durable
- Flexible material
- Wide opening for easy breathing
Cons
- Inner gel may crack under extreme pressure
Takeaway
This mouthguard is designed with an emphasis on comfort and breathability. It protects the teeth, gums, and lips and comes in youth and adult sizes.
5. Sanabul Single Boil And Bite - Most Affordable
Are you in the market for a mouthguard that won’t cost a leg and an arm? If so, then you may want to look at the Sanabul Single Mouthguard which is one of the most affordable mouthguards around.
Sanabul is a known brand that makes gi (a martial arts uniform) and other equipment for BJJ or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioners. Its mouthguard is a solid budget pick for BJJ and MMA.
Like most mouthguards on our list, it uses a boil-and-bite design. It is a good way to protect your teeth on a tight budget.
A pleasing feature that this mouthguard has over the regular ones is its thin construction. This design allows the fighter to breathe easily especially in a very cardio-demanding and stamina-draining situation like grappling.
Pros
- Perfect for beginners
- Great breathability
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Thin and lightweight design
- Highly affordable
Cons
- May need trimming to fit well
Takeaway
Sanabul mouthguard can be a perfect starting mouthguard and a reliable safety gear for amateur training. Despite its low price, it offers decent quality and protection.
6. FIGHTR Premium Mouth Guard - Most Customizable
The FIGHTR premium mouthguard is made for full-contact sports, and it is the easiest guard here to customize.
A great spec of this product is the high-quality material used, which is capable of shielding gums. It has a two-layer system that enables you to mold your teeth profile in just a matter of seconds. You can fit it at home with a pot of hot water.
Its slim build also makes breathing easier. Aside from that, the product comes along with a hygienic storage box.
Pros
- Shields gums from greater impact
- Molds teeth profile very quickly
- Customization can be done with common kitchen utensils
- Includes highly hygienic transport case
- Slim design for comfort and breathability
Cons
- Adult mouthguards may be a bit small
Takeaway
Due to its slim design, this mouthguard allows more breathability without compromising on comfort and protection. It is also very customizable and mouth friendly.
7. Damage Control Mouthguard - Most Shock Absorbent
The big selling point of the Damage Control Mouthguard is shock absorption. The brand advertises much higher shock absorption than an average mouthguard, though that is the maker's own claim.
Its thick, high-impact build makes it a good fit for hard-hitting sports like Muay Thai. Aside from being sturdy, this mouthguard provides comfort to the teeth and gums. It can also be used for other full-contact sports. It also stays in place well while you breathe and talk.
The product has a very wide selection of styles and designs. You can find a design appropriate for any gender and age bracket. It also comes with a durable carry-on case.
Pros
- Thick, high-impact build
- Comfortable on teeth and gums
- A wide range of styles and designs
- Ideal for kids, women, and traditionalists (old-school)
Cons
- Product may be a bit oversized for some users
Takeaway
Its thick, shock-absorbing build makes it our pick for Muay Thai and other hard-hitting martial arts.
What’s The Purpose Of A Mouthguard?
Mouthguards don't improve performance, but they do reduce injuries to the teeth, lips, tongue, and gums. The American Dental Association names boxing as a contact sport with a higher risk of mouth injuries and recommends a mouthguard.
Here are the main purposes of using a mouthguard during competitive sports:
- Cushions the teeth and reduces cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue.
- Keeps the upper and lower teeth from slamming together.
- Lowers the risk of chipped or knocked-out teeth from direct hits.
- Spreads the force of a blow across the teeth.
Nonetheless, there are some things that a mouthguard cannot do. They include:
- Cannot guarantee total cushioning a blow that can lead to a concussion.
- Cannot prevent a broken jaw or nose from a hard hit.
- Cannot stop force from reaching the rest of the face and head.
In other words, a mouthguard protects your teeth, not your brain. Anyone with concussion symptoms after a hit should stop training and see a health care provider. The CDC's HEADS UP concussion basics explain what to watch for.
Despite these limits, combat sports rules require mouthguards, and dentists recommend them for all contact sports.
But are you wondering what might be the difference between kickboxing and boxing mouthguards? Could there possibly be any?
Types Of Mouthguards
The ADA lists three types of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fit. Stock guards come ready to wear and fit poorly, so fighters usually choose one of the other two.
Custom-fit Mouthguard
A custom-fit mouthguard is made by your dentist from a mold of your teeth. The ADA says the best mouthguard is one custom made for your mouth by your dentist. It costs more, though.
Boil And Bite Mouthguard
This type is a commercially available mouthguard that caters to a wide range of users. This mouthguard is designed to soften in water. The user needs to bite it so that the teeth structure will be embedded on the softened mouthguard’s surface. This mouthguard is a cheaper option than a custom mouthguard.
Choosing The Best Mouthguard For MMA & Boxing
If you want to choose the best MMA mouthguard out there, here are the things to consider:
Size
A mouthguard must fit your mouth snugly and stay in place without you clenching. A loose guard protects less.
One that is too big can make breathing harder, and one that is too small may not cover your back teeth and can fall out.
Comfort
Comfort is an important consideration when choosing the best mouthguard for MMA and boxing. Like all safety gears, a mouthguard must be situated firmly on your mouth. It must not interfere with your breath nor cause discomfort during a hit.
Style
Style is the least important factor, but mouthguards come in many colors and designs, so you can pick one you like. Some fighters choose national colors or sponsor designs for fights.
And now let’s see how to properly fit a mouthguard in this YouTube video:
Conclusion
A mouthguard is essential gear for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and jiu-jitsu. With a good one in place, you can worry less about your teeth and focus on training.
Ultimately, Venum Challenger Mouthguard is the best mouthguard for protecting your pearly whites. This mouthguard is our top pick because it balances protection, breathing room, and comfort at a fair price, and it comes in many colors.
If you spar often, a custom guard from your dentist is worth the upgrade.
Sources
- Mouthguards, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports
- Concussion Basics, CDC HEADS UP
