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MMA Gum Shield/ Mouthguard


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Hey everyone

 

Was just wondering what do you guys feel (from MMA experience) would be the best type of gum shield/ mouthguard to get?

 

I don't know whether to get a single mouth guard or a double mouth guard.

 

There is a cheap single gum shield (http://www.blitzsport.com/Standard-Gum-Shield?sc=9&category=44) and a cheap double gum shield (http://www.blitzsport.com/Double-Gum-Shield?sc=9&category=44) that I am looking at.

 

I'm also considering getting a Bad Breed single gum shield. (http://www.blitzsport.com/Bad-Breed-Gum-Shield?sc=9&category=44)

 

Just hoping some people on here can give me some good advice.

 

I'm starting MMA training shortly and I'm considering doing it competitively in the future.

 

Thanks for the help. :)

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I just purchased a Shock Doctor (I think from paragon martial arts) which is also Blitz. (HERE)

 

It is the best mouth piece I have ever had and does the job nicely. I have to re-mould after the first use but its the nuts buddy.

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I just purchased a Shock Doctor (I think from paragon martial arts) which is also Blitz. (HERE)

 

It is the best mouth piece I have ever had and does the job nicely. I have to re-mould after the first use but its the nuts buddy.

Is it not easy to get one of the bottom teeth knocked out if you are wearing only a single gum shield? This is the main reason why I'm considering going for a double instead of a single.

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Shock Doctor is really good, I used to buy those in High School.

 

You'll probably be buying new ones every so often, so don't get anything really expensive.

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Is it not easy to get one of the bottom teeth knocked out if you are wearing only a single gum shield? This is the main reason why I'm considering going for a double instead of a single.

The real advantage to a double over a single is it holds your jaw in place making you less susceptible to breakage or a KO when you take a hook to the chin.

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The real advantage to a double over a single is it holds your jaw in place making you less susceptible to breakage or a KO when you take a hook to the chin.

I've heard that it can be sometimes less comfortable than a single gum shield. That's why I'm not sure what I should get. What type do you use Eveas? And is there any gum shield you'd recommend?

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I've heard that it can be sometimes less comfortable than a single gum shield. That's why I'm not sure what I should get. What type do you use Eveas? And is there any gum shield you'd recommend?

When I was wrestling I didn't use one which might be why I have 3 chipped teeth up top. For MMA I used a custom molded one my dentist made for me. It was a double, but I agree the singles are more comfortable. If you aren't going to pay $200 for a custom I would suggest something like a brain pad. My dental insurance didn't cover prevention items such as mouth guards. Just a warning yours likely won't either.

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When I was wrestling I didn't use one which might be why I have 3 chipped teeth up top. For MMA I used a custom molded one my dentist made for me. It was a double, but I agree the singles are more comfortable. If you aren't going to pay $200 for a custom I would suggest something like a brain pad. My dental insurance didn't cover prevention items such as mouth guards. Just a warning yours likely won't either.

$200 so thats like £140? Don't have that kind money atm :(

 

I'm from the UK so I wouldn't be able to get that one you linked me to. So you'd recommend for me to go for a single gum shield?

 

Would any of the ones I posted in my OP be any good?

 

And what about this one? http://www.blitzsport.com/Shock-Doctor-Gum-Shield-V-1-5?sc=9&category=44

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$200 so thats like £140? Don't have that kind money atm :(

 

I'm from the UK so I wouldn't be able to get that one you linked me to. So you'd recommend for me to go for a single gum shield?

 

Would any of the ones I posted in my OP be any good?

 

And what about this one? http://www.blitzsport.com/Shock-Doctor-Gum-Shield-V-1-5?sc=9&category=44

The one I linked was actually a double. While less comfortable you wear it for the safety it provides. For British stores these are the two I'd use. I'd likely choose the Jaco.

http://www.groundandpound.co.uk/store/product.php?productid=3855&cat=0&page=2

http://www.groundandpound.co.uk/store/product.php?productid=121&cat=0&page=1

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If you're in the UK you can get moulded fitted gumshields from your dentists from £30 upwards. I used to use single shock doctors for £15 when I boxed and competed but my son gets his moulded from the dentist (rugby player) and even with a custom design its only £43

 

Never used a double personally, I tried one once for sparring but it felt awful everytime I took one to the mouth. Dentist once told me it was better to use a single or a separate top and bottom (not connected) but maybe he was just trying to get me to have two lol

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If you're in the UK you can get moulded fitted gumshields from your dentists from £30 upwards. I used to use single shock doctors for £15 when I boxed and competed but my son gets his moulded from the dentist (rugby player) and even with a custom design its only £43

 

Never used a double personally, I tried one once for sparring but it felt awful everytime I took one to the mouth. Dentist once told me it was better to use a single or a separate top and bottom (not connected) but maybe he was just trying to get me to have two lol

Thanks for the advice. Should I buy a single gum shield and a double? It would cost me under £5 to buy them both from blitzsports.com

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The one I linked was actually a double. While less comfortable you wear it for the safety it provides. For British stores these are the two I'd use. I'd likely choose the Jaco.

http://www.groundandpound.co.uk/store/product.php?productid=3855&cat=0&page=2

http://www.groundandpound.co.uk/store/product.php?productid=121&cat=0&page=1

The Jaco looks very good. Thanks for helping out! If I'm going to buy a good quality double gum shield, I'll most likely get the Jaco. :)

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Well I agree with the other posters, if you're planning on taking shots to the face anything harder than a slap I'd pay the extra £10 for a shock doctor. A cheap gumshield will keep your teeth in place but won't stop the damage

 

Just try them on in the shop and hit yourself, speak and breath heavily. Sounds daft but if you can't speak easily, it hurts (at the back where the top and bottom connect) or you don't feel good breathing hard then a double isn't for you. See what feels best, or if you're not comfortable trying one on in the shop then buy one of each and try them both before you start getting hit hard with full sparring

 

Definately don't stick with a cheap one though if you enjoy your smile lol

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Well I agree with the other posters, if you're planning on taking shots to the face anything harder than a slap I'd pay the extra £10 for a shock doctor. A cheap gumshield will keep your teeth in place but won't stop the damage

 

Just try them on in the shop and hit yourself, speak and breath heavily. Sounds daft but if you can't speak easily, it hurts (at the back where the top and bottom connect) or you don't feel good breathing hard then a double isn't for you. See what feels best, or if you're not comfortable trying one on in the shop then buy one of each and try them both before you start getting hit hard with full sparring

 

Definately don't stick with a cheap one though if you enjoy your smile lol

Don't have an MMA shop nearby. I'm going to have to buy one online. :(

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They sell them at all sports stores, don't need a specialist shop bud. I get mine from decathlon or sports direct lol

Nearest sports store only offers 2 gum shields. :(

 

http://www.jjbsports.com/everlast-boxing-double-mouthguard/boxing/shop/fcp-product/4893

http://www.jjbsports.com/everlast-boxing-single-mouthguard/boxing/shop/fcp-product/4892

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Really don't get either, if you're getting punched you at least need one that you mould to your mouth. Those won't protect you very well, hence why shock doctor has been thrown in as a suggestion as its £15 and widely available

 

Any mouldable gumshield (that you dip into hot water, bite down on, then set it under cold water) will do till you decide on double or single and have a spare £30-£40 to get the dentist to make one

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i want one that sticks to the top real tight so it doesnt fall when i talk, and therefore does not impair breathing when the mouth is open.... whats the best in regards to that issue?

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Yeah that's the generic term over here, and most contact sports (even field hockey for kids in school) requires them now so they're pretty good value and available everywhere

 

AA - as for one that sticks, if you don't want to get one made then any mouldable (reputable) one will do. Just make sure after its heated you press up on your jaw and punch slightly. Bite hard and suck, then under cold water for a minute immediately. If when you put it in it doesn't hold while you speak simply pop back in the hot water and remould

 

Doesn't hurt to read reviews before you settle for one though, can't have a good enough mouth guard :)

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That double doesn't even look like it has breathing paths in it. Those look so cheap.

 

It does have breathing paths in it. The clear piece is a standard support that you leave in when you are molding it to your mouth so that the breathing paths aren't crushed in the process.

 

 

 

My suggestion would be to try cheap ones until you find a style that you prefer (by cheap, I mean ones you can buy for a few dollars and mold, like those everlasts. With cheap guards, forget going with ones that will support you the best, as none of them do that great of a job. Find one that you are comfortable keeping a bite on and breathing. Only use cheap ones for training/sparring, IMHO. If you are actually going to be fighting, definitely save your pennies and invest in an expensive, custom mouthguard. Your body and your ability to take a hit will love you for it. If you are biting down properly when taking a hit like you should be, then a single guard should protect you just as well as a double.

 

Personally I always use the doubles. The reason for this is that when I do something intense in cardio breathing through my nose, it has a tendency to run not allowing me to breathe efficiently through my nose. The double guard allows you to clamp your jaw together tight when a hit is coming while still being able to breathe well through the paths in the center. When I haven't done this in the past and used a single guard, my nose starts to run and my mouth opens to allow breathing, then I take a hit to the jaw with my mouth open and it's all downhill from there.

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It does have breathing paths in it. The clear piece is a standard support that you leave in when you are molding it to your mouth so that the breathing paths aren't crushed in the process.

 

 

 

My suggestion would be to try cheap ones until you find a style that you prefer (by cheap, I mean ones you can buy for a few dollars and mold, like those everlasts. With cheap guards, forget going with ones that will support you the best, as none of them do that great of a job. Find one that you are comfortable keeping a bite on and breathing. Only use cheap ones for training/sparring, IMHO. If you are actually going to be fighting, definitely save your pennies and invest in an expensive, custom mouthguard. Your body and your ability to take a hit will love you for it. If you are biting down properly when taking a hit like you should be, then a single guard should protect you just as well as a double.

 

Personally I always use the doubles. The reason for this is that when I do something intense in cardio breathing through my nose, it has a tendency to run not allowing me to breathe efficiently through my nose. The double guard allows you to clamp your jaw together tight when a hit is coming while still being able to breathe well through the paths in the center. When I haven't done this in the past and used a single guard, my nose starts to run and my mouth opens to allow breathing, then I take a hit to the jaw with my mouth open and it's all downhill from there.

Thanks for the great advice. I think I'll go with the 2 cheapest gum shields just to see which would I prefer. Hopefully it will do a good job for sparring, and it will help me decided which one I would prefer to use (single or double) and when I'm ready for my first competitive fight I'll look into getting a custom made one.

 

Where would I get a custom made gum shield from? Would I have to ring up my dentist to get one?

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