Complete Guide To Choosing a Mouthguard for Boxing

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Complete Guide To Choosing a Mouthguard for
Boxing

• You wouldnt 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, lets discuss
  how should a mouthguard fit in your mouth.

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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
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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 DONT 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.
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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 Dont Wear a MouthGuard For
Boxing?
Dental Injuries Dental professional research
reveals that athletes who dont 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.



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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
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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.
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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 fighters mouthguard
during a match, it is to
ensure the fighter can breathe properly and
prevent the choking risks
During intense bouts, a fighters mouthguard may
shift or become loose. The referees 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.
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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
doesnt interfere with your speech or breathing.