If you follow any martial arts competition which involves taking blows to the face, you may have seen the fighters put on mouthguards.
Competitors in a combat sport must wear mouthguards to protect themselves from extreme mouth injuries. If neglected, the resulting injury can be debilitating and quite painful. No one likes long-lasting consequences born of what seemed unnecessary beforehand.
This essential piece of martial arts equipment has various applications, from stopping a martial arts practitioner’s teeth from flying everywhere to simple jaw protection. Let’s dive deeply into combat sports and learn why fighters use mouthguards.
How Mouthguards Came To Be
While the exact origin of mouthguards is not clear, we can trace the roots back to one British dentist, Woolf Krause. Krause crafted his version of a mouthguard from rubber resin and a rigid plant called gutta-percha, strips of which were placed over boxers’ teeth.
Eventually, these evolved into the modern mouthguards we know, courtesy of Phillip Krause, son of Woolf Krause. Phillip Krause’s mouthguards were reusable, and their functionality was highlighted in a 1921 championship fight. Krause’s invention was not quickly accepted, however.
Some inventions take decades to find acceptance, sometimes after the creator’s passing. This was, luckily, not the case for Phillip Krause, for his invention found recognition in a 1927 championship match. One of the fighters was forced to forfeit the game when a chipped tooth severely cut his lip. Mouthguards were made a common piece of equipment for boxers afterwards.
Evolutions of Phillip Krause’s design eventually led to the proper mouthguard designs we see today in MMA and boxing matches.
Why You Need Mouthguards MMA
Mouthguards serve to prevent various mouth injuries, generally speaking. They allow MMA fighters to take hits directly to the face and keep going, so one mistake does not end the match for them.
Let’s thoroughly explore how they are essential to an MMA fighter’s arsenal.
1. Mouthguards Prevent Dental Injuries
Dental injuries used to be the deciding factor in boxing fights before the advent of mouthguards. Broken, chipped teeth are extremely painful and take time to heal. Often, the injury does not heal at all.
Mouthguards prevent dental damage from debilitating, acting as a gum shield from the opponent’s excessive brunt force.
2. They Prevent Jaw Dislocation
Most punches hit fighters in the jaw. The longer a fight goes, the higher the chances of an MMA fighter losing the match to a dislocated lower jaw bone. When a jaw comes out of its socket, the pain is bad enough to keep a fighter from participating in another match for a long time.
Since mouthguards spread the impact force across the face, the blow is softened, and the hit becomes more tolerable.
3. They Keep Soft Tissues Safe
Mouthguards guard the soft tissue in a fighter’s mouth. Some of the most vital soft muscles are in the mouth, such as the tongue, are in the mouth. Earlier, fighters would accidentally bite on their tongues when taking a hit, resulting in bleeding.
Recommendations For Mouthguards
Before you buy a mouthguard and get ready to jump into a ring, you should consider if:
- The mouthguard is certified for safety
- It’s comfortable and breathable
- It fits your mouth well
- It absorbs impact well
The technique a fighter employs also plays a large part in what mouthguard they choose, in addition to the criteria listed above. Several mouthguards fit the bill, a couple of which are:
1. Best Mouthguard Overall:Shock Doctor Gel Max
The Shock Doctor Gel Max mouthguard comes with a convertible tether that allows you to use it with or without a strap. It offers the comfort you need during a fight without compromising safety. Suited for fighters of all ages, the Shock Doctor Gel Max has a universal appeal because of its fit and triple-layered protection for maximum impact resistance.
2. Best Affordable Mouthguard:Viking Ox Mouthguard
The Viking Ox Mouthguard for MMA will serve you well. Made from heavy-duty shock-absorbing rubber, it offers optimal protection and comfort. It has integrated shock pads to protect your jaw and teeth during an MMA match. A carry case is included with the mouthguard in the box.
Protect Your Mouth!
Mouthguards are an invention that has changed the way Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and other combat sports are played in modern times. By reducing the trauma a fighter endures, the fighting competitions have grown fiercer while remaining relatively safe.
In the adrenaline-fuelled situations that contact sports participants frequently find themselves in, negligence can end careers. One cannot excel in any field without making mistakes, and mouthguards provide a much-needed space for a fighter to improve without suffering career-threatening injuries.
Before you leave, check out our blog on the 5 amazing benefits of sauna suits for great tips and tricks. And, if you are ready to shop for your next martial art class, head to our MMA Factory store.