Mouthguards for martial arts

[Blackbeltfundraiser]

I need a recommendation on a mouthguard for when i go to martial arts class. The ortho gave me a cheapo plastic thing that is for football SPAMMERS LIKE ME.

[bbsadmin]

The best type is a custom one made by your orthodontist. No others, including boil and bite, will protect your teeth and your brain properly.

[jjs34748]

Custom made is the best way to go, however a company that was started by a dentist called Shock Doctor makes a very good Orthodontic mouthgaurd. My Orthodontist recommended this mouthgaurd over the ones that he makes because they protect as well or better and are a better price. They make a braces mouthgaurd that will cover just the top and one that covers top and bottom.

I do not work for the company but can attest to how well they work. My 14 year old son was playing baseball after he got his braces on. I made him wear a shock Doctor mouthgaurd while playing. He actually got hit in the face with a baseball that was thrown to him when he was not looking. While he did recieve a minor chip on one tooth from the ball hitting it, the rest of his teeth and mouth were fully protected. There was no significant shock to his brain because it was just a baseball after all, but the chip recieved is more my fault for not getting the gaurd for top and bottom.

Take this as just another option for all that need mouthgaurds while wearing braces. I can say that I wish the Shock Doctor brand was available when I played football as a kid. I have bitten compleatly through them before when getting hit.

[bbsadmin]

Yes, there are many mouthguards on the market which seem very good, and some orthodontists or dentists may recommend them because they know you won't want to spend the money for a custom guard (they're a few hundred dollars). An over-the-counter guard is probably better than NO guard. However, many experts I've spoken to over the years insist that only a custom guard protects you correctly in rough contact sports. Not just your teeth and jaw, but your brain, too.

[orangeracer]

FWIW I have had good luck with the shock doctor braces version, but check with your dentist!