A mouthguard is a piece of protective equipment worn over the upper teeth during sparring, competition and other contact drills. Its main job is to cushion the teeth and jaw against impact, spreading the force of a blow rather than letting it concentrate on a single tooth.
Mouthguards generally come in three types: ready made, boil and bite, which softens in hot water and is then shaped by biting down, and custom made from a dental impression. A well fitted mouthguard stays in place during hard breathing and talking, which matters for arts with continuous sparring such as boxing and kickboxing, while a loose one can be more of a distraction than a protection. Many federations require a mouthguard for any sparring or competition involving strikes to the head.
Fit and hygiene both matter for how well a mouthguard performs over time, since a mouthguard that has lost its shape no longer cushions evenly. Replacing one after significant wear, or after a growing child's teeth change, keeps the protection effective. See our mouthguard guide for fitting advice and our protective gear overview for how it fits alongside other equipment.
