I wanted to get into some MMA training, figured it would be a good way to stay in shape and learn some self-defense. But before I started sparring, I knew I needed a decent mouthguard. I mean, nobody wants to get their teeth knocked out, right?
So, I started looking around for mouthguards. I saw some that were specifically UFC-branded. They looked cool, but I wasn’t sure if they were actually any good or just using the UFC name to sell. I dug a little deeper and found some brands like Nxtrnd and Opro, these seemed more focused on the actual mouthguard tech and not just the branding.
- Nxtrnd Rush Mouth Guard – Around $41, looked pretty solid for boxing and other combat sports.
- Opro Silver, Platinum, and Power Fit – These had some fancy stuff like “anti-bacterial” features.
Then, there was this Gladiator brand that even LeBron James uses. Apparently, they make custom ones that are super thin but still offer a lot of protection. That sounded awesome, but when I saw the price – $300 to $800 – I was like, “Yeah, maybe not.”
Decision Time
After weighing the options, I decided to go with a regular, non-UFC branded mouthguard, specifically, a lobloo Slick Professional Dual Density Mouthguard. It was way more affordable and seemed to offer good protection based on the reviews. Plus, it is for high-contact sports and it has dual density. I mean, I’m not planning on becoming a pro fighter, but I also don’t want to cheap out on protecting my teeth.
I got the mouthguard, and it came with instructions on how to mold it to my teeth. It was a pretty simple process – boil some water, dip the mouthguard in, then bite down on it to get a good fit. The first time I tried, it didn’t feel quite right, so I just re-boiled it and did it again. Second time’s the charm, it fit perfectly.
Training with the Mouthguard
I’ve been using it for a few weeks now in training. It’s a bit weird getting used to having something in your mouth, but it’s not uncomfortable. It doesn’t mess with my breathing too much, which was one of my main concerns. During sparring, I definitely feel more confident knowing my teeth are protected. I haven’t taken any major hits to the face yet, thankfully, but I feel like this mouthguard can handle it if I do.
Overall, I’m happy with my purchase. I think I made the right call going with a solid, mid-range mouthguard instead of getting sucked into the expensive, branded stuff. It’s doing its job, and that’s all that really matters. If you’re getting into any kind of combat sport, definitely don’t skimp on a good mouthguard. Your teeth will thank you!
