Mouthpiece

[Dent]

Osu!

In an effort to assist one of our own, I thought a mouthpiece, mouthguard, gum shield thread would be useful.

So, what are your recommendations?

I like the Whipps Pro models, as they provide a lot of tooth and jaw support. Breathing is a little tougher than with a single top or bottom guard, but they work well for both stand up and grappling.

Osu!

[Kris]

I had a piece custom made by a dentist. Cost me about 20 000 yen here in japan. Great fit.

[Olrac]

I have one custom made by a dentist too.
It's a perfect fit.
Cost me 35 euro, but when I got face punched at my last tourney I was very happy with it.
Without it I guess I would have lost some teeth.
I never fight without my mouthguard.
OSU

[Nix]

I bought one of those cheap no-name ones that I've cut 1/3 of the ends off, and boiled to fit. It didn't even come in a case. I never do sabaki or kumite without it, which was good today, when someone planted a jodan mae geri in my face.

Seriously, I'm not sure if an expensive mouth guard is much better than a cheap one. I remember there was a test in FIGHTER mag. But even so, a cheap mouth guard is a thousand times better than wearing none.

[EnterTheirMinds]

I don't really pay attention to the brand of the mouthpiece but for goju-ryu karate, even though it's meant to not have contact, we still do add in some contact and jodan mawashi geris aren't always pleasent, especially without a mouthguard.

I just buy some cheap ones, as I have misplaced 1 or 2 but I don't understand how an expensive one is better than a cheaper one.

[StarKodama]

Originally Posted by Kris

I had a piece custom made by a dentist. Cost me about 20 000 yen here in japan. Great fit.

Actually, Ryuuji and I are looking for a dentist that can make us custom-fit mouthpieces. Can you please give me the name and phone number of your dentist?

(I tried to PM you, but your box was full, so I hope you see this message! )

[seienchin]

Originally Posted by EnterTheirMinds

I don't really pay attention to the brand of the mouthpiece but for goju-ryu karate, even though it's meant to not have contact, we still do add in some contact and jodan mawashi geris aren't always pleasent, especially without a mouthguard.

I just buy some cheap ones, as I have misplaced 1 or 2 but I don't understand how an expensive one is better than a cheaper one.

Expensive is not necessarily better, but without doubt one that is made specifically for you from a mold of your teeth is much bettern than a boil-and-bite.

Both offer protection for your opponent from being hurt by the sharp edges of your teeth, and this is an important reason for using them. But the boil and bit ones CAN (not all) end up with still a fairly flat surface inside them. This means that with every blow, the tooth or teeth that stick out the most take the bulk of the force. In a custom-fit, the mouthguard sits in contact with the whole dental surface of the upper jaw, and it therefore transmits the force across a much large area.

Imagine the difference between falling and landing on one finger, versus falling and landing on your forearm like a breakfall. The more surface area that shares the impact, the lower the risk of damage.

[EnterTheirMinds]

I suppose this would be true. I just use the boil-and-bite, however, none of them have ended up with a flat surface where any teeth were injured. However, your point is still taken with great consideration.