Okay, so I’ve been getting more into MMA lately, and let me tell you, getting punched in the face is no joke. I quickly realized a mouthguard was essential, not just some optional extra. So began my journey into the world of mouthguards.
First, I hit up the internet. Just did a simple search for “best mouthguards for MMA” and, boy, did I get a flood of options. Different brands, different styles, boil-and-bites, custom-fits… it was overwhelming!
I started by reading reviews. Lots of them. I wanted to see what other people, actual fighters, were saying. Which ones were comfortable? Which ones offered the best protection? Which ones didn’t make you gag?
After a few hours of research, I narrowed it down to a few options. I decided to go with a boil-and-bite for starters, figuring I could always upgrade to a custom-fit later if needed.
The Boil-and-Bite Adventure
- Step 1: I picked up a highly-rated mouthguard from a well-known brand.
- Step 2: I followed the instructions very carefully. Boiling water, timing, molding it to my teeth… it was a bit nerve-wracking, I’m not gonna lie. I didn’t want to mess it up!
- Step 3: I popped it in my mouth while it was still warm and bit down, sucking out the air and using my fingers to press it against my teeth and gums. It felt weird, like having a giant piece of gum stuck in my mouth.
- Step 4: I let it cool and harden, then tested the fit. It felt snug, but not too tight. I could still talk (sort of) and breathe without feeling like I was suffocating.
Sparring Test
The real test came during sparring. I took a few hits to the head (nothing too crazy, thankfully!), and the mouthguard did its job. It stayed in place, and I didn’t feel any jarring impact on my teeth. I also think that it helped absorb some of the blows overall.
It’s definitely not the most comfortable thing in the world, but it’s a small price to pay for protecting my pearly whites (and my jaw!).
My next step is I will consider a custom-fit mouthguard at some point, but for now, this boil-and-bite is working great. It’s given me the confidence to train harder without constantly worrying about chipping a tooth.
