Mouthguards

At a glance: A mouthguard protects your teeth, jaw and gums during sparring and competition in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA. The collection offers single-layer models for light training, multi-layer designs with gel cushioning for regular sparring, and junior sizes for children up to 11 years. The bestsellers are the Venum Challenger in various colour combinations, available in both junior and senior sizing.

Choosing the right mouthguard for your training

The primary function of a mouthguard is to absorb impact and reduce the risk of dental injuries, cuts to the lips and tongue, and concussion during contact sports. Single-layer mouthguards suit beginners in light technical drills, while multi-layer models with gel or shock-absorbing cores are designed for sparring and competitive fighters. Most brands offer both junior sizing (up to 11 years) and senior sizing (from 11 years and older), ensuring a proper fit across age groups.

Fit is the most important factor: a mouthguard that shifts during movement offers little protection and can obstruct breathing. Boil-and-bite models allow you to mould the guard to your teeth by heating it in hot water, biting down, and letting it cool. This custom impression improves retention, comfort and airflow. Some designs feature breathing channels or a slimmer front profile to make communication easier during coaching.

Materials and protection levels

Entry-level mouthguards are typically made from a single thermoplastic layer and are suitable for pad work or technical sparring with controlled contact. Mid-range and advanced models use multi-layer construction: a firm outer shell to disperse impact, a gel or foam middle layer to absorb shock, and a softer inner layer that moulds to your teeth. Brands such as Venum, Safejawz, Shock Doctor and Booster all offer multi-layer designs with varying thicknesses and cushioning technologies.

If you wear braces, look for a model with an orthodontic channel or extra material in the upper section to accommodate brackets. Shock Doctor produces specific braces-compatible designs that protect both the appliance and the soft tissue. For fighters with a history of dental work or those competing at higher levels, a thicker multi-layer guard offers more comprehensive protection, though it may feel bulkier at first.

Compare your options

• Venum Challenger: multi-layer boil-and-bite, suitable for beginners and intermediate fighters, available in junior and senior sizes, multiple colour combinations.
• Venum Predator: multi-layer design with advanced gel core, suited to regular sparring and competition, senior sizing, distinctive graphic options.
• Safejawz Intro Series: entry-level boil-and-bite with single or dual-layer construction, beginner-friendly fit, junior and senior available.
• Shock Doctor Gel Max: multi-layer with gel-fit liner and shock-absorption frame, intermediate to advanced level, braces-compatible versions available.
• Booster: multi-layer mouthguards designed for Muay Thai and kickboxing, senior sizing, solid colour and graphic prints.
• The Fight Company: own-brand boil-and-bite models, straightforward protection for training, junior and senior options.

What our customers choose

The best-selling model in our collection is the Venum Challenger in black and grey, accounting for just over a fifth of recent mouthguard sales. The second most popular choice is the Venum Challenger in white and black, representing around one in seven purchases, followed by the black-and-white variant in third place. Together these three colour combinations of the same Challenger design make up more than two-fifths of all mouthguards sold, confirming its appeal to fighters at every level.

Frequently asked questions

Which mouthguard is best for beginners?

Beginners benefit from a boil-and-bite multi-layer mouthguard such as the Venum Challenger or the Safejawz Intro Series. Both models are easy to mould at home, offer reliable impact absorption for sparring, and are available in junior and senior sizes. A proper custom fit improves retention and breathing, making your first sessions more comfortable and safer. Avoid single-layer models if you plan to spar regularly, as they provide less shock protection than multi-layer designs.

How do I mould a boil-and-bite mouthguard?

Boil water and remove it from the heat, then submerge the mouthguard for the time specified by the manufacturer—usually fifteen to thirty seconds. Lift it out with a slotted spoon, shake off excess water, and let it cool for a few seconds until it is warm but not scalding. Place the guard over your upper teeth, bite down firmly, and press your tongue against the roof of your mouth while sucking out air and water. Hold for twenty seconds, remove it, and rinse in cold water to set the shape. Repeat if the fit feels loose.

Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?

Yes, but you need a model designed for orthodontic appliances. Shock Doctor offers braces-compatible mouthguards with extra material and channels that accommodate brackets and wires, protecting both your braces and the soft tissue inside your mouth. Standard boil-and-bite guards can damage braces or fail to fit securely. Always inform your orthodontist that you train in a contact sport, and replace the mouthguard if your braces are adjusted, as the fit may change. Junior-sized orthodontic guards are available for younger fighters.

Last updated: October 2026