The boxing gear that most often goes unnoticed is the mouth guard and this is a component that can be considered very crucial. This rather slim yet significant product is the key to saving your teeth, jaw, and overall oral cavity while avoiding numerous severe injuries.
Choosing the best mouthpiece involves characteristics like fit, material as well and comfort that are important in determining the safe output during the boxing session.
The Mechanism of the Mouthguard in the Prevention of Injury
Mouthguards act by buffering and isolating the force from blows that can be landed on the face, especially the jaw and mouth region.
When one receives a punch, the impact is transmitted through the teeth and the jaw, and this causes a lot of strain on the facial bones that can easily break, dislocate, or cause concussion.
Mouth guards are fitted to protect the teeth, they work like a shield when an impact occurs thus reducing the likelihood of an injury.
Besides, mouthguards prevent the teeth from chipping or breaking and also play an important role in safeguarding the other fabric of the oral cavity, such as the gums, lips, and tongue from being bitten.
In addition, they can prevent concussion since the lower jaw will not move freely following an impact as to transfer very little Jerk onto the head.
The 3 Types of Mouthguards
There are three main types of mouthguards available, each offering varying levels of protection and comfort:
Stock Mouthguards
These are not ‘made to order’ but come packed and are in a position to wear as soon as they are out of the pack. They usually are the cheapest and, at the same time, provide the least amount of coverage and rarely come in comfortable sizes.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Mouthguards that come under this category are made of thermoplastic material. To fit, you take them soak them in boiling water, and then bite them to create an imprint of your teeth. As compared to stock mouthguards, they provide better protection and at the same time, they have better fitting.
Custom-Fit Mouthguards
Custom-made mouthguards are designed by a dentist or a dental technician with the aid of an exact cast of one’s teeth. It provides the best fit, comfort, and protection on the human foot but tends to be costly as compared to the other types. Ideal for professional boxers who practice routinely these gloves offer the best protection possible.
Balancing Protection with Comfort
As with the protection of the material from the elements, so with the protection of the occupants from them, comfort is also a necessity. A mouth guard can cause some discomfort in the mouth or be bulky in the mouth and this can be a distraction during a fight.
An ideal mouth guard should cover the whole of the teeth and gums while still being easy to wear so that one can breathe and speak without having to remove it. It should not move or need to be turned to obtain the right position during your sparring or matches.
Boil and bite mouth guards are easy to fit into the mouth and also provide decent levels of protection hence are excellent to use Should you be an amateur boxer.
Nevertheless, the custom-fitted mouthguards are the best because they are made for the specific size and shape of your mouth, therefore, giving better comfort and security. This means you get to concentrate more on the performance you are to deliver than on the tools to deliver the performance.
Durability and Maintenance
This is a mouth guard that will not get deformed or tender to the point of getting damaged when one is engaged in regular boxing training. Some of the most common materials include materials such as medical grade silicone or EVA which are very robust in making mouthguards.
Unlike other materials, these can withstand the negative impacts of saliva, which causes the deterioration of other products.
It is important to regularly clean your mouthguard to ensure it will last as long as possible. After use, wash it with cold water as well and occasionally wash it with soap and a toothbrush.
Do not expose it to high temperatures as this will deform the material that has been used to make the gadget. When not in use, your mouthguard should be stored in a ventilated container to minimize bacterial formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell that my mouthguard fits me well?
Your mouthguard should be able to cover your upper teeth and should not require you to hold it in place with your tongue. It should not restrict your breathing or speaking in any way when you are wearing it.
How often should I replace my mouthguard?
In case your mouthguard is damaged, worn out, or has developed tears, thinning, or has changed shape, then it is time to get a new one. Mouthguards should be replaced every six months to a year for regular users.
Is it possible to wear a mouthguard while having braces?
Yes, but you will need a mouth guard that is made for use with braces on the teeth. These are mostly fitted to the individual and worn over the braces to offer the required protection.
What is the proper way of washing my mouthguard?
After using the mouthguard, it should be rinsed with cold water and occasionally, it should be brushed with a toothbrush and soap. Do not use hot water to wash the material as this will cause it to warp.
Is it worth paying for custom-fit mouthguards?
Mouth guards are a must for serious boxers and the best ones are made to order. They provide better protection, comfort, and durability than the commercial ones and can improve safety and performance inside the ring.
Conclusion
Selecting the right mouthpiece is one of the most important factors that will help you safeguard yourself when boxing.
In this way, knowing what types of mouthguards are there and how they protect you, you will be able to choose the one that offers the best of both worlds: comfort and protection, as well as durability.
Regardless of the type of mouthguard you choose – stock, boil-and-bite, or custom-fit –the fit and protection that the mouthguard offers are crucial for your safety in the ring.
It will also assist in making sure that your mouth guard has the protection you require as you train and compete by replacing it on time and performing maintenance.
