Last Updated on January 29, 2021
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. Truth be told, you never know when that hit might come. Just a small punch can knock out your teeth and leave you with jaw injuries or even head trauma.
No one wants this, right?
That is why you need to invest in the right mouthguard. In this article, we will review some of the best mouthguards for MMA and boxing. Our overall pick is the Venum Challenger Mouthguard.
Page Contents
- The 7 Best MMA Mouthguards Reviewed
- 1. Venum Challenger Mouthguard - Best Overall
- 2. Shock Doctor Gel Max - Most Doctor Recommended
- 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
- Choosing The Best Mouthguard For MMA & Boxing
- Conclusion
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. The Venum brand has been popular since the boom of MMA into the mainstream and is well-known for producing apparel and safety gears that cater to highly skilled fighters.
The Challenger mouthguard is one of the company’s advanced mouthguards that is designed purely for MMA expertise. It is an excellent choice if you want the best mouthguard for Boxing, MMA, and Muay Thai. It can be used in sparring sessions and for a promotional fight.
The material used to construct the mouthguard is made from high-density rubber. That alone indicates that it can absorb a large amount of shock from a direct hit. Aside from that, you can breathe easily even while using it.
The feature Nextfit Gel frame allows the user to experience comfort while inserting the mouthguard. With this feature, you can conveniently adjust the mouthguard without much discomfort.
Most of all, Venum mouthguards look so stylish even with basic colors. Plus, the product comes with a protective case.
Pros
- Exceptional quality
- Absorbs more shock than regular mouthguards
- Provides comfort when inserting or adjusting
- Includes a protective case
- Multi-color combinations
Cons
- Ideal for users with small mouth opening
- Users may find it difficult to breathe at first
Takeaway
Crafted from a very dense material, there is no denying that Venum Challenger is the best boxing mouthguard for any aspiring boxer. MMA and Muay Thai fighters will also benefit from its great protection.
2. Shock Doctor Gel Max - Most Doctor Recommended
Shock Doctor has a great reputation for providing protective gear for almost all contact sports. This brand has reliable mouthguards and most dental professionals recommended their products to athletes.
Therefore, if you are looking for a mouthguard that is highly recommended by doctors, you may want to consider this model. For maximum performance, breathability is important for fighters. With this in mind, Shock Doctor has integrated breathing channels in this product to allow the user to breathe with ease.
The Gel Max version is created with an exo-skeletal frame. This patented form enables the user to withstand any heavy direct hits without risking any damage to the teeth. Many have confirmed it as one of the best mouthguards for boxing due to its shock absorption.
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
- Endorsed by dental professionals
- Offers amazing shock absorption
- 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
Designed with an exoskeletal frame, this is the most durable mouthguard on our list. It is highly recommended by doctors and can be used for all types of sports including MMA, boxing, and Jiu Jitsu.
3. Sisu 1.6 Aero Guard - Most Lightweight
The Sisu Aero Model is the best thinnest mouthguard on the market. Sisu’s greatest asset is its 1.6 mm thickness, which makes it feel so light that you will feel like you’re not wearing it at all.
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.
Aside from being extremely comfortable, the mouthguard can be secured in place without providing difficulties in drinking water or breathing. It is a perfect combination of custom-fit and boil-and-bite types.
Something else that is impressive about the Aero Guard is the Diffusix technology that helps to disperse any variations of impact. This makes it the best mouth guard for BJJ and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where accidental hits are common.
Pros
- Slim fit design for the utmost comfort
- Excellent impact diffusion
- 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 mouth guard for BJJ and Jiu Jitsu rolling. Not only is it comfortable but also offers great protection and amazing breathability.
4. Shock Doctor Max Airflow - Most Breathable
Max Airflow Mouth Guard is another entry of Shock Doctor on the list but with different features. As mentioned above, the Shock Doctor brand is one of the most reputable in terms of producing safety gear. This product has its focus on the user’s breathability, making it one of the best breathable mouthguards available.
The BPA-free mouthguard has a design that allows more airflow capacity, around 10 percent more, compared to the regular brands. You will not have any difficulty breathing even for how many rounds of sparring you may take. This is also perfect for other high-intensity contact sports like American football.
Additionally, this feature makes this mouthguard perfect for those with braces. The flexible polymers and essential bite-pads can guarantee maximum comfort for the user without the need to be molded. If you are an out-boxer and do more cardio, you may want to consider this mouthguard.
Pros
- Brilliant breathability
- Durable
- Flexible material
- Great for those with braces
Cons
- Inner gel may crack under extreme pressure
Takeaway
This mouthguard is designed with an emphasis on comfort and breathability. It adds more protection to the teeth, gums, and lips and it can be sued by kids, youths, teenagers, and adults.
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 considered the most affordable mouthguard on the market.
Sanabul is a known brand that makes gi (a martial arts uniform) and other equipment for BJJ or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioners. In line with that, the brand also produces the best mouth guard for BJJ athletes and fighters.
Unlike most mouthguards on our list, this model features the boil and bite design. For a natural grappler, you can never go wrong with this Sanabul’s mouthguard. They are the best way to solidify your teeth protection 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. This mouth guard works best for MMA fighters. Despite its affordable price range, it offers great quality and outstanding protection.
When it comes to the best boxing mouth guard, the FIGHTR brand has been an industry leader. The company’s premium mouth guard is meant for best protection in any full-contact sport. Ultimately, this is the best boxing mouthpiece for customization.
With this mouthguard, you will have an optimum performance level without worrying about impact by any unnecessary injury.
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. For customization, you can pull it off with common kitchen utensils as a substitute for dental tools.
Another great feature is its capacity to allow more oxygen intake due to its innovative thin construction. You won’t need to worry about catching your breath heavily and you can concentrate on the task at hand. 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 biggest feature of Damage Control Mouthguard is its amount of shock absorption. It is said to have a 150 percent increase in absorbing shock compared to an average mouthguard available in the market. It can protect the teeth from damage in receiving hard-hitting blows, making it the best MMA mouthguard when it comes to shock absorption.
Its ability to disperse such knockout-potential blows also makes it the best mouthguard for 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. Plus, it makes it easier to breathe and talk without worrying that the mouthguard will fall off.
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
- Superior shock absorbent
- Promotes comfort and pain-free performance
- 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
The superior shock absorbent is enough to qualify this as the best mouthguard for Muay Thai and other hard-hitting martial arts. As the name suggests, it will protect you from pains and discomfort so you can be on top of your game.
What’s The Purpose Of A Mouthguard?
While there’s no conclusive evidence in terms of increasing the fighter’s performance, it is evident that the best boxing mouthpiece helps to decrease mouth-related injuries.
Here are the main purposes of using a mouthguard during competitive sports:
- Prevents tongue and teeth collision and reduces chances of laceration.
- Prevents the upper and lower set of teeth from colliding with each other.
- Prevents further teeth damage in case of direct hits.
- Disperses the absorbed shock.
- Secures the jaw during powerful blows.
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 add strength to the jaw when receiving a direct hit.
- Cannot prevent the transfer of force to the surrounding facial features from a direct hit.
Despite its limitations, all governing bodies of competitive sports and martial arts and the dental community acknowledge the purpose of the best mouthpiece for MMA.
But are you wondering what might be the difference between kickboxing and boxing mouthguards? Could there possibly be any?
Types Of Mouthguards
If you want to purchase the best mouthguard for boxing, there are two options to choose from: custom-fit or boil-and-bite.
Custom-fit Mouthguard
A custom-fit mouthguard is molded based on your teeth structure. They are guaranteed to prevent any size and comfort issues. They are specifically designed to fit the user’s mouth and teeth. However, this type of mouthguard comes at a higher cost.
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
The best mouthguard for boxing must fit the size of your mouth accordingly. From the alignment of your teeth to the width of the insides, the mouthguard must be securely in-place. Any extra space can reduce its shock absorption and dispersion capabilities.
You don’t want a mouthguard that is too big as this may restrict your breathing patterns. Also, an exceedingly small mouthguard may lack coverage and fall off easily.
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
When martial artist competes for a crowd, entertainment is expected. Apart from the performance, most people appreciate how a martial artist carries himself/herself. The best boxing mouth guard can be aesthetically pleasing, even though some are worn inside the mouth.
During an international competition, you may opt for mouthguards that reflect symbols of nationalism. For professional fighters, this can be a great promotional tool for sports apparel companies.
And now let’s see how to properly fit a mouthguard in this YouTube video:
Conclusion
There is no denying that a mouthguard is an important gear for competitive sports like boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu. When you have the best mouthpiece for MMA in place, you will worry less about your teeth and focus more on the sport. This review features some of the best mouthguards for boxing and MMA fighters.
Ultimately, Venum Challenger Mouthguard is the best mouthguard for protecting your pearly whites. This mouthguard is our top pick because it offers outstanding breathability and shock dispersion, without compromising on comfort.
It is handmade from Thailand and you can expect it to be remarkably high quality. Plus, finding a style that suits your personality is easy since it comes in 10 different colors.