When you start boxing, your trainer will quickly tell you that you need a mouthguard. But why exactly?
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In this article, you'll learn what the functions of a boxing mouthguard are, what to look out for when buying a mouthguard and how to mould it to fit your teeth.
Why is a mouthguard needed for boxing?
Mouthguards drastically reduce the risk of tooth damage and injuries to your lips and tongue. The shock-absorbing material distributes the impact of punches evenly across your teeth and jaw, reducing the force of impact.
Additionally, mouthguards cover your teeth, creating a protective layer between your teeth and your lips, tongue and cheeks. This significantly reduces the risk of cuts and other injuries.
If you box without a mouthguard, you're more likely to suffer:
- A cut on your lips or cheeks
- Broken teeth
- Damage to your fillings or tooth enamel
- Bruising or fractures to your jaw
It's therefore important that you always wear a mouthguard when boxing to prevent accidents.
What should you look out for when choosing a mouthguard?
First, it's important to know that all mouthguards we sell are suitable for use when boxing. Where most people go wrong is by not paying close attention to the age category of the mouthguard they order.
Mouthguards for boxing come in two sizes:
- Kids mouthguards: These are suitable for children up to 11 years old
- Adult mouthguards: These are suitable from 11 years old
Looking for a kids mouthguard? Click here to view kids mouthguards.
Need an adult mouthguard? Click here to view all adult mouthguards.
Apart from size, you can freely choose any mouthguard you like. All mouthguards we sell meet safety requirements and are suitable to wear when boxing.
How to mould a mouthguard so it fits perfectly
You cannot use a boxing mouthguard straight away. First, you need to mould the mouthguard to fit your teeth. When you buy a mouthguard, you'll always receive instructions to help you mould it. Always read the instructions carefully, following the steps specific to your mouthguard.
The general steps are as follows:
- Boil water.
- Pour the water into a glass or mug and wait 20-30 seconds before the next step.
- Your mouthguard can now soak in the water. How long this takes depends on the brand and model of your mouthguard. Always read the instructions carefully before following this step.
- Carefully remove your mouthguard from the water with a fork (be careful, it's hot) and let it cool for a moment.
- Place the mouthguard in your mouth and press it against your teeth with your fingers. If the mouthguard is still too hot, remove it immediately from your mouth to prevent burns.
- Bite down on your mouthguard and suck it in at the same time to create a vacuum, so it fits snugly around your teeth. Do this for 20-30 seconds.
- Remove the mouthguard from your mouth and cool it in cold water for 20-30 seconds.
If the mouthguard doesn't fit well, you can repeat the steps until it does. Keep hot water away from children and follow the steps carefully to prevent accidents.
