Issue 037

May 2008

The gumshield is one of the most important bits of kit in any fighter’s training bag. It’s the one thing you wear day in, day out, whether you’re kickboxing, wrestling or sparring full MMA. It’s one of the few bits of protective equipment you’ll actually wear in a fight. And yet so many fighters still make do with a cheap ‘boil and bite’ gumshield from the local sports shop. 

Key Features

Boil ‘n’ Bite versus Custom Made

This is the crucial decision with gumshields – boil ‘n’ bite versus custom made.

Boil ‘n’ Bite

Boil ‘n’ bite gumshields range in quality from the cheap and nasty to fairly good. The more expensive ones tend to be much more durable and comfortable to wear, and more likely to keep your teeth in adequate condition. The better ones also have additional padding that is supposed to protect your brain from the impact of a shot to the jaw. If you go for a boil ‘n’ bite, make sure you go for a good quality one made by a reputable brand and follow the instructions carefully. 

Custom Made

Custom made gumshields, on the other hand, you can get by going to your dentist, or by mail order from specialist suppliers. They will send you the equipment to make a cast of your own teeth that you send back to them. These gumshields protect your teeth better than a boil ‘n’ bite, and the difference in how they feel to wear is massive. More expensive, but a worthwhile investment for anyone who takes the sport seriously. 

Double or Single?

The more common ‘single’ gumshield only covers your upper teeth. Double gumshields cover both the upper and lower sets of teeth. While the upper teeth are more likely to be damaged in an accident, some people prefer the security of the extra protection. The trade off can be that it may make it harder to breathe. Most fighters wear a single gumshield, but some wear doubles for boxing and kickboxing. 

Thickness

The thickness of your gumshield affects the amount of protection it offers, and so double thickness gumshields are often recommended for contact sports. Make sure that it isn’t so thick that it becomes uncomfortable. 

General Tips

Be prepared to invest some money in a decent gumshield

You want to be fighting your opponent, not your gumshield. One that makes you gag, affects your breathing or falls out in training will harm your performance. If you have one that you don’t like throw it out and get a better one. This is the one piece of kit that you absolutely shouldn’t compromise on. 

Don’t drink anything sweet while wearing one

It’ll make your gumshield sticky and unpleasant, encourage growth of bacteria and it’ll ruin your teeth. Either drink water, or take your gumshield out first. 

Care and maintenance

Rinse your gumshield out after every training session. If you do this regularly, you shouldn’t need to do anything else. If you haven’t worn it for a while, or it needs a clean, then you can soak it in a mild sterilising fluid or a disinfecting mouthwash. Check with your gumshield manufacturer which cleaning products you should use.