Are you planning to become a mixed-martial arts fighter? Do you dream of glory and adoration when fighting in the octagon? If this is the case, you will need to make sure you protect your teeth. After all, when you're smiling for the camera, you're not going to want to have a broken smile. This article will discuss the importance of mouth guards, the different types of mouth guards you can obtain and give you some practical tips on maintaining them.

Why Wear One?

This may seem like common sense, but many fighters do not wear mouth guards. Given the sport you are engaged in, this could be a serious mistake. There are several injuries that are prevented when wearing a mouth guard during a fight.

Types Of Mouthguards

Mouth guards come in all shapes and sizes. Each type has its pros and cons. Make sure you do your research to figure out which one is best for you.

Stock Mouth Guards

Created from rubber, stock mouth guards are the least comfortable. This is because they tend to be bulky. Also, they don't normally fit the teeth very well.

Stock mouth guards are also more difficult to use because you have to keep your jaw closed to hold it in place. This makes it much harder to talk and breathe. These are distractions that will make it more difficult for you to fight effectively.

The main benefits of stock mouth guards as that they are inexpensive and easy to find. Typically, you can find these types of mouth guards at your local sporting goods store.

Boil-And-Bite Mouth Guards

Boil-and-bite mouth guards are able to tailor themselves to the individual wearing it. There are two types of mouth-formed guards.

Thermoplastic mouth guards are boiled in water. Then, you bite into it and it conforms to your bite. If it isn't a good fit at first, it can be boiled and fitted again. Acrylic mouth guards are directly molded to your teeth, and then they set in order to maintain its shape.

Mouth-formed mouth guards are much more comfortable than stock mouth guards. They also provide a greater level of protection. You can purchase these at your local sporting goods and online.

Custom-fitted Mouth Guards

Custom mouth guards provide the greatest level of protection and comfort. They are also the most expensive.

If you want a custom mouth-guard, you won't go to your sporting goods store, you will visit your dentist. They will take an impression of your mouth and then manufacture your mouth guard based on the mold.

Custom fitted mouth guards are much easier to work with since they are specially tailored to your teeth. You will find it much easier to speak and breathe when you are wearing one.

If you are going to engage in a sport like mixed martial arts, it's important to protect yourself as much as possible. Consult with your dentist or someone such as Denise McGrade DDS to make sure you are making the right choice when it comes to protecting your teeth.

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