When you start kickboxing, your trainer will soon tell you that you need to buy a mouthguard. But why?
In this article you will learn what the functions of a mouthguard are for kickboxing, what to look for when buying a mouthguard and how to mould it to your teeth.
Why is a mouthguard necessary for kickboxing?
Mouthguards drastically reduce the risk of dental damage and injuries to your lips and tongue.
The shock-absorbing material distributes the impact of punches and kicks evenly across your teeth and jaw, reducing the force of the impact.
In addition, mouthguards cover your teeth, giving you a protective layer between your teeth and your lips, tongue and cheeks. This significantly reduces the risk of cuts and other injuries.
If you kickbox without a mouthguard you are at greater risk of:
- A cut in your lips or cheeks
- Broken teeth
- Damage to your fillings or tooth enamel
- Bruising or fractures in your jaw
It is therefore important that you always wear a mouthguard when kickboxing to prevent accidents.
What should you look for when choosing a mouthguard?
First of all, it is important to know that all mouthguards we sell are suitable for use in kickboxing. Where most people go wrong is not checking the age category of the mouthguard they order.
Mouthguards for kickboxing 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
Are you looking for a kids' mouthguard? Click here to view mouthguards for children.
Do you need an adult mouthguard? Click here to view all mouthguards for adults.
Apart from the size, you can choose any mouthguard you like. All mouthguards we sell meet safety requirements and are suitable for wearing when kickboxing.
How to mould a mouthguard so it fits perfectly
A mouthguard for kickboxing cannot be used straight away. You first need to mould the mouthguard to your teeth. When you buy a mouthguard you will always receive instructions to help you mould your mouthguard. Always read the instructions carefully with the steps for your specific mouthguard.
The general steps are as follows:
- Bring water to the boil.
- Pour the water into a glass/mug and wait 20–30 seconds before the next step.
- Your mouthguard can now go into the water to soak. 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 is 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 from your mouth immediately to prevent burns.
- Bite down on your mouthguard and suck it into a vacuum at the same time, so that it fits tightly 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 does not fit properly, you can repeat the steps until it does. Keep the hot water away from children and follow the steps carefully to prevent accidents.
Do you need a mouthguard or is your old one due for replacement?
View all our mouthguards for kickboxing here.