Custom Boxing Mouth Guards Explained

In the world of boxing, every punch can affect the fighter’s safety and performance. One important piece of gear that’s often overlooked is the mouth guard for boxing. It’s a protective piece of equipment that is essential for protecting teeth from impact and against other dental injuries.

Mouth guards first appeared in boxing in the early 1900s in the UK. They were designed to protect boxers' teeth and mouths from injury during fights. Over time, it became clear that these protective devices were also important for other contact sports and by the 1960s and 1970s, the use of mouth guards became mandatory in a variety of sports such as football, ice hockey and lacrosse.

Mouth guards help keep your teeth safe but custom mouth guards are even better. They’re made to fit your mouth perfectly, offering ideal protection and comfort. This article will explain why custom mouthguards are so important for boxers, how to get one and all the benefits they provide.

What are sports mouth guards?

Sports mouthguards are protective devices designed to shield the teeth and gums from injury during physical activity. They are commonly used in both contact and non-contact sports to prevent dental injuries, such as a loose tooth or more severe trauma.

There are several types of sports guards that are available in Singapore. These include—

• Custom Fit Mouth Guards: They are specifically designed from a dental impression of your mouth, providing ultimate protection.
• Boil and Bite Guards: These are molded at home after heating in hot water.
• Stock Mouth guards: They are preformed and ready to wear, offering the least protection.

Why are custom mouth guards important for boxers?

Custom mouthguards are vital for boxers to ensure protection during physical activity. In boxing, the risk of a loose tooth or severe dental injuries is high due to direct contact. Custom boxing mouthguards provide a protection level which generic mouthguards cannot offer as they are designed to fit the unique contours of the boxer's mouth.

The benefits of wearing a custom made sports guards for boxer include:

Custom Fit

One of the biggest advantages of a custom mouthguard is the personalised fit it provides. Unlike generic mouthguards, which often feel bulky or require constant adjustment, a custom mouthguard is precisely tailored to the unique shape and contours of the boxer's teeth and mouth. This ensures a snug, secure fit that stays in place, even during intense bouts, avoiding the frequent distractions of adjusting a loose mouthguard.

Enhanced Protection

The purpose of a custom boxing mouth guard is to absorb and disperse the force of a blow more effectively as compared to over-the-counter options, therefore guarding against dental damage that may be due to impact. A properly fitted athletic mouthguard may also help reduce concussion severity by—

• Absorbing Impact: A mouthguard can absorb and dissipate the force from a blow to the jaw, reducing pressure changes and skull deformation. Some studies have show it to decrease intracranial pressure by up to 50%.
• Jaw Positioning: A well-fitted mouthguard helps move the jaw forward and downward, creating space between the jaw and skull. This can lessen direct impact on the skull during an upward blow.
• Head Stabilisation: Biting on a mouthguard has been shown to engage neck muscles, helping to stabilise the head and reduce rotational forces. This minimises brain movement inside the skull, potentially reducing injury.

Breathability

Some people worry that wearing a sports guard might make it harder to breathe or talk. However, studies have shown that custom-made sports guards do not impact breathing, even when athletes are working out at different intensity levels.

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Process of getting custom fit mouthguards in Singapore

In Singapore, acquiring custom guards is a straightforward process that revolves around precision and personalisation to ensure maximum protection and comfort for the athlete. 

1) Consultation with a Dentist or Specialist

The first step in the journey to a custom-fitted mouth guard begins with a consultation with a dentist. During this initial meeting, your dental health history and specific needs for the mouth guard will be discussed. This is to identify any particular requirements such as the level of protection needed based on the intensity of your physical activity.

2) Impressions and Molding Procedure

Once your needs have been ascertained, the next step is to create an accurate mold of your teeth. Normally, this is done with a dental impression kit which includes impression trays and dental putty.

At Dental Designs Clinic, we use modern dental technology to make the process much easier. Instead of the messy, uncomfortable impression materials, we use digital intra-oral scanners to capture images of your teeth and gums. From there, your sports guard is designed digitally and then custom-made for you.

3) Delivery and Fitting of the Mouthguard

After the sports guard is fabricated, it will be ready for issue. Adjustments may be made during the issue session for any tight spots or discomfort, assuring a perfect fit that will stay in place and provide the intended level of protection during boxing or any vigorous sports.

It is important to follow up with the specialist should you experience any issues with your new mouth guard, such as difficulty speaking, breathing, or if the guard is causing irritation. Regular check-ups with mouth guard care instructions are recommended to assess the condition of the mouth guard and to make any necessary refinements over time.

Choosing the right custom boxing mouth guard: Consider Your Needs

When choosing a custom boxing mouthguard, it’s important to think about your specific needs and preferences. The first step is to consider the type of activity and its intensity. Boxers who train hard or compete at a high level might need extra protection to handle heavy impacts.

Your dental situation is also key. If you have braces or have recently had dental work done, you’ll need a mouthguard that’s specially made to fit around your orthodontics or protect sensitive areas. Custom mouthguards are especially helpful for athletes who are prone to loose teeth or other dental issues.

Read about how to choose the right sports guards for any sport, here.

Conclusion

A custom boxing mouth guard should be comfortable and serve its purpose for protection. This is what sets it apart from stock mouth guards. A mouthguard that rubs or feels uncomfortable can be distracting and may affect your performance.

Looking to book a dental appointment for your custom mouth guard? Just drop us a message here and we will be right with you! 

References

• YARAR, Hakan, Umid KARLI, Kutlu AYDIN, Hüseyin ERDEM, and Hanifi UZUM. "Effect of using mouth guard on anaerobic and aerobic performance of combat sport athletes." Age (year) 22 (2013): 2-2.
• deWeber, K., & Don Muzzi, M. D. Mouth Guard Use in Combat Sports. A Position Statement from the Association of Ringside Physicians.
• Gebauer, Dieter P BDS, MBBS (Hons)*†; Williamson, Raymond A BDS, MDS, PhD*†; Wallman, Karen E BEd, BSc (Hons), PhD‡; Dawson, Brian T PhD‡. The Effect of Mouthguard Design on Respiratory Function in Athletes. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 21(2):p 95-100, March 2011. | DOI: 10.1097/JSM.0b013e31820428b0