Alright, so I’m gonna walk you through my little MMA mouthguard adventure. It all started ’cause I was tired of those cheap, flimsy ones you get at the sporting goods store. They never fit right, always felt like they were gonna fall out, and honestly, they just felt gross.
Phase 1: The Research Rabbit Hole
- First thing I did? Hit up YouTube. Watched a bunch of videos on different types of mouthguards – boil-and-bite, custom-fit, the whole shebang.
- Then, I jumped onto MMA forums and Reddit. Read tons of reviews and opinions from actual fighters. This helped me narrow down what I was looking for – something durable, comfortable, and offered good protection.
Phase 2: Boil-and-Bite Blues (and a Little Success)
Figured I’d start with the basics. Bought a few different boil-and-bite mouthguards. The process is pretty simple:
- Boil water, dunk the mouthguard in for the recommended time.
- Let it cool slightly, then shove it in your mouth and bite down hard while sucking in.
- The goal is to mold the mouthguard to the shape of your teeth.
My first attempt was a disaster. It was either too hot and burned my gums, or not hot enough and wouldn’t mold properly. After a few tries, I managed to get one that fit okay-ish. It wasn’t perfect, but it was better than nothing.
Phase 3: The Custom-Fit Dream (and the Reality Check)
I got to thinking, what if I just get a custom mouthguard? Turns out, your dentist would be the place to go.
- Did some research, turns out that it’s not as hard as it sounds. Booked an appointment, they took impressions of my teeth.
- A few weeks later, I got my custom mouthguard. It fit perfectly, felt super secure, and I could actually breathe and talk with it in.
It was definitely an upgrade, but the price was kinda steep.
Phase 4: Testing it Out (The Real Deal)
Finally, the moment of truth. Took my new mouthguard to sparring.
- The boil-and-bite one did its job…mostly. Took a couple of solid shots to the face, and it stayed in place. But it still felt bulky and uncomfortable.
- The custom-fit mouthguard? Game changer. Felt like it wasn’t even there, but I knew it was protecting my teeth. Breathing was easier, and I didn’t have to worry about it shifting around.
Conclusion: Worth the Effort (and the Money)
Final Thoughts
Honestly, investing in a good mouthguard is worth it. The boil-and-bite ones are okay for beginners or light sparring, but if you’re serious about MMA, go for a custom-fit one if you can swing it. Your teeth (and your peace of mind) will thank you.
