Adequate protective equipment, such as mouthguards, is essential for staying safe on the mat. A gum shield is necessary for protecting your teeth and jaw while training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
This is because Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) emphasizes physical strength and brutal sparring matches. In addition, it is a contact combat sport where you can avoid elbows or knees landing on your face.
If you are serious about your safety, you must use a mouthpiece for BJJ. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of mouth guards in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts. Stay tuned!
Why Do You Need a Mouthguard for BJJ?
A gum shield is a protective equipment worn over the teeth and mouth during contact sports to reduce the risk of tooth, mouth, and jaw damage.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a contact sport where practitioners perform several sparring rounds. They will use all their physical strength and brutalize their opponents to win the fight at any cost.
In these cases, elbows or knees may land on the practitioner’s face. So this is why a mouthguard is necessary to train safely.
A mouthguard provides critical protection during sparring and training sessions. It plays a significant role in protecting the practitioner’s face and jaw from surprising blows.
Indeed, mouthguards protect against injuries, including chipped or broken teeth, lip or tongue lacerations, and even concussions. It works as a shock absorber, deflecting impact force away from the teeth and mouth.
What Are the Types of Mouthguards?
Various mouthguards are available for contact sports and martial arts athletes that need mouth protection. Here are some of the most prevalent types:
- Stock mouthguards: These mouthpieces are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are often less costly and more straightforward than other varieties, but they may need to fit better or give as much protection as custom-made mouthguards.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These are comprised of a thermoplastic polymer that softens when heated. To use one, boil the mouthguard in water, then bite down on it to mold it to the shape of your teeth. Boil-and-bite mouthpieces provide a better fit and more excellent protection than stock mouthguards, but they may need to be more durable.
- Custom-fit mouthguards: These are produced by a dental practitioner and are custom-fit to your teeth. They provide the finest fit and protection, although they might be more costly than other styles.
Does Any Mouthguard Work for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling and ground fighting style of martial art. Indeed, mouthguards are essential protective equipment for BJJ practitioners since they may aid in avoiding tooth and jaw injuries during training and competition.
While various mouthguard kinds and brands are available, choosing ones explicitly designed for BJJ and other martial arts is critical. Yet, the boil-and-bite gum shields are the most well-known in contact combat sports.
These mouthguards are often composed of a flexible and durable substance, such as silicone or rubber, to mold to the curve of the teeth and mouth while ensuring a secure fit.
In addition, some BJJ mouthguards contain extra features to protect the teeth and jaw from contact.
Related: Are SISU Mouthguards Good for BJJ?
What Are the Most Popular Gum Shields for BJJ?
A mouthguard is crucial for BJJ practitioners since it protects the teeth and jaws from harm during sparring and competition. Yet, Choosing the best mouth safeguard for Brazilian jiu-jitsu might be challenging.
Consequently, we’ve done the legwork to uncover the best jiu-jitsu mouthguards.
| BJJ Mouthguard | Quality Ratings | Visit |
| Venum Challenger Mouthguard | 4.5 out of 5 | Check It on Amazon |
| SISU Aero Mouthguards | 4.4 out of 5 (Our Pick) | Check It on Amazon |
| Shock Doctor Gel Max Mouth Guard | 4.3 out of 5 (Amazon’s Bestseller) | Check It on Amazon |
Related: How to Mold a Jiu-Jitsu Mouthguard? (Roll With Confidence)
Aside from that, cleaning your Brazilian jiu-jitsu mouthguard after each use is essential. This will keep germs at bay, prevent infections, and prolong its lifespan, delivering higher protection and comfort while rolling or sparring.
Conclusion
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a contact sport with brutal sparring and sophisticated and explosive moves. So, when practicing this beautiful martial art, don’t forget to wear a mouthguard.
A mouthguard is essential protective equipment when practicing martial arts such as BJJ, MMA, and Karate. You never know when elbows or knees will land on your face in these sports.
Otherwise, choose a gum shield that is long-lasting, comfortable, breathable, tasteless, and easy to maintain and clean.
Related: The Best Mouthguard for BJJ (2023’s Top Picks)
