Choosing and moulding a mouthguard
Choose a boil-and-bite model (Safejawz, Opro), mould it in warm water on your upper teeth until it stays put without clenching; with braces, use a braces model.
For kickboxing, boxing and MMA you choose a boil-and-bite mouthguard from a brand like Safejawz or Opro, which you mould at home in warm water on your upper teeth. It should stay firmly in place without you having to clench your jaw. If you wear braces, there is a special model that does not need moulding.
Why you wear a mouthguard
A mouthguard absorbs the blow that lands on your mouth from a punch or kick. It spreads the force across your teeth, stops your teeth from clashing together and protects your lips and cheeks from your own teeth. In practically every gym it is compulsory as soon as you work with a partner, and at competitions always.
You need it in technical sparring too, where nobody hits hard. A stray elbow or a head coming in by accident does not pick its moment. Many beginners put off buying one because it feels strange; a well-moulded guard is something you stop noticing after a few sessions. It belongs in your bag next to your gloves and hand wraps.
Types of mouthguard
There are three types:
- Standard (ready-made): a fixed shape you put straight into your mouth. Sits loosely, makes talking difficult and offers poor protection. Not recommended.
- Boil-and-bite: a thermoplastic model you soften in warm water and mould to your own teeth. The standard for practically all combat athletes; Safejawz and Opro are the well-known brands.
- Custom-made by a dentist: the best fit and protection, but considerably more expensive. Worth it for competitive fighters.
Within boil-and-bite there are basic and advanced models. The advanced ones have a harder outer layer, a softer inner layer and a fitting piece you press over your teeth. In our shop you'll find both, including youth sizes.
Moulding step by step
This is how you mould a boil-and-bite mouthguard:
- Bring water to the boil and take it off the heat. Place the guard in it for 20 to 30 seconds, or as long as the packaging says.
- Take it out with a spoon, shake off the water and let it cool for a few seconds so you don't burn your mouth.
- Place it on your upper teeth, with the centre exactly between your front teeth.
- Bite down gently, suck the air out and use your fingers and tongue to press the guard against your teeth and gums. Hold this for 30 to 45 seconds.
- Take it out and cool it in cold water.
If it doesn't fit well, most models can be remoulded once or twice. Read the packaging; some models are done after three attempts.
How to tell it fits properly
A well-moulded mouthguard stays in place when you open your mouth, without you having to hold it with your teeth. You can talk and breathe reasonably well with it in. It runs back to the rear molars, but not so far that it makes you gag; if it is too long, trim a piece off the back before you mould it.
If it drops when you breathe through your mouth, it was not in the water long enough or you did not suck hard enough. If it feels thin on the front teeth, you bit down too hard while moulding. In both cases: mould it again. A guard that does not stay put offers little when a real blow lands.
Mouthguard with braces
If you wear fixed braces, do not mould a regular boil-and-bite guard. It sets around the brackets, is hard to remove and pulls on the braces when you take it out. There are special braces models from Safejawz and Opro, among others, that do not need moulding and leave room for the braces and for teeth that are still shifting.
These models also protect your lips from the brackets, which is at least as important when you take a shot to the mouth. Once the braces come off, you switch to a normal boil-and-bite model. If in doubt, talk to your orthodontist; they can also advise on a custom-made guard.
Cleaning, storing and replacing
Rinse the guard with cold water after every session and let it dry in the ventilated case it comes with. Every now and then use toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, or a denture cleaning tablet. Never hot water, as that will deform it.
Replace the guard when it shows small cracks, gets thin on the front teeth or no longer stays in place properly. With two to three sessions a week that is usually after a year. Children and teenagers need a new one more often because their teeth change. Buy a spare straight away; otherwise a forgotten or lost mouthguard means you can't spar that session.
| Type | Fit | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard, ready-made | Loose | Not recommended |
| Boil-and-bite basic | Good | Beginners, technique training |
| Boil-and-bite multi-layer | Very good | Sparring, competitions |
| Braces model | No moulding | Fixed braces |
| Dentist custom-made | Perfect | Competitive fighters |
Ordering from anywhere in the EU
PadsByBilly ships from the Netherlands to every EU country: Belgium €7.95, Germany €9.95, other EU countries €14.95, free from €75. No customs or import fees inside the EU; prices include VAT. Delivery usually takes 2–5 working days and you have a 14-day right of withdrawal.
Running a gym or fight school and need mouthguards for the whole team? From €500 order value we make a custom quote with a bigger discount.
Frequently asked questions
Which mouthguard is best for kickboxing?
A multi-layer boil-and-bite model from Safejawz or Opro. It combines a good fit with solid protection at a reasonable price.
How long should a mouthguard stay in the water?
Usually 20 to 30 seconds in freshly boiled water. Follow the time on the packaging; too long makes it too soft.
Can I remould a mouthguard?
Most boil-and-bite models can be remoulded once or twice. After that the material loses its properties.
Do I need a guard for both top and bottom teeth?
No. A guard on the upper teeth is the standard. Double models exist, but they make breathing harder.
How often should I replace my mouthguard?
With regular training about once a year, or sooner if it cracks or starts to feel loose. More often for children.
