How To Pick The Best Jiu-Jitsu Mouth Guard: An Orthodontist's Take

When you think about Jiu-Jitsu, you probably picture cool moves like submissions, takedowns, and strikes. However, there is one extremely vital factor that many people overlook: safeguarding your teeth and jaw! Being a close-contact sport, Jiu-Jitsu carries the actual risk of injury. During a game, you could chip a tooth, damage your jaw, or perhaps lose a tooth. Wearing a mouth guard is therefore essential, regardless of your level of experience as an athlete. This blog will walk through why custom mouth guards are the best option and how to choose the correct one for you. Let’s get started and keep your smile safe!

What is a Mouth Guard?

A mouth guard is a dental appliance used to protect your teeth from physical harm. It is mostly used by athletes to cushion and absorb a shock or force applied to the mouth during a game. You can find them in places like pharmacies and grocery stores; some of them can even be tailored to fit your mouth precisely for an extra layer of protection and comfort.

Why a Mouth Guard is Essential

The sport of Jui Jitsu involves various combat movies like submission, blows, and takedowns. These place athletes at greater risk of accidental impacts, strikes, or collisions, creating an ideal situation for attaining dental injuries, which include misplaced teeth, chipped teeth, or concussions. Your jaw and mouth are vulnerable even during light sparring sessions.

What Dentists Say About Dental Injuries

Dentists and orthodontists warn that injuries in close-contact sports like Jiu-Jitsu can lead to expensive dental treatments. These might include root canals, implants, or even jaw surgery. To avoid these problems, it’s smart to use a custom-made mouth guard. Custom guards fit perfectly, giving you better protection so you can train with confidence.

Types of Mouth Guards

When it comes to protecting your teeth, not all mouth guards are the same. Here are the three main types, each with its pros and cons:

How to Choose the Right Mouth Guard

Here are some things to consider when picking a mouth guard:

• Fit and Comfort: Your mouth guard should feel snug, like it belongs in your mouth. It shouldn’t move around when you’re talking or sparring. If it’s too loose, it could distract you or even fall out when you need it the most—and it won’t protect your teeth as well as it should.
• Durability and Thickness: Jiu-Jitsu is a tough sport, so your mouth guard needs to be tough too! It should be thick enough to protect your teeth from hard hits, but not so bulky that it makes breathing or closing your mouth uncomfortable.
• Breathability: A good mouth guard won’t get in the way of breathing or speaking. Even during intense matches, you should still be able to catch your breath and communicate with your teammates.
• For Braces or Retainers: If you have braces or wear a retainer, you’ll need a special mouth guard made just for you. These custom mouth guards fit around your dental gear so everything stays safe and secure.
• Easy to Clean: Your mouth guard should be simple to clean because hygiene is important. A dirty mouth guard can collect germs and cause bad breath or even infections. Look for one that’s easy to rinse and store properly after every match. Staying safe means keeping it clean too!

Why Wear a Mouth Guard?

Here’s why every Jiu-Jitsu athlete needs a mouth guard:

1. Prevent Cuts and Bruises: It's possible for an elbow, knee, or someone's head to hit your mouth while you're rolling, sparring, or wrestling. With a mouth guard, you can protect your mouth from cuts and bruises with a soft, tough shield.
2. Avoid Teeth Grinding: It is possible to unconsciously clench your teeth during stressful matches. Your teeth can even break from this wear-down. As you concentrate on the game, a mouth guard shields your teeth from injury like a cushion.
3. Boost Confidence: A good-fitting mouth guard helps you feel more secure because you know your teeth are safe. When you're not worrying about injuries, you can give your full attention to improving your moves and staying in the zone.
4. Save Money: Fixing a chipped tooth or replacing a broken one can cost a lot of money—sometimes thousands of dollars! Wearing a mouth guard is a small investment that can protect you from big expenses and long trips to the dentist.
5. Protect Your Jaw: A sudden hit to the face can sometimes injure your jaw or even dislocate it. A mouth guard adds a layer of protection that absorbs the impact, helping to keep your jaw safe during tough matches.

Taking Care of Your Mouth Guard

Just like all your sports gear, keeping your mouth guard clean and hygienic is essential. This helps keep your mouth guard fresh, helping you avoid bad bacteria that can cause dental issues. Plus, a clean mouth guard lasts longer! Here’s how to keep it fresh and safe:

1. Rinse It After Every Use: It is important to rinse your mouth guard once you take it off. This helps avoid the build-up of plaque and bacteria that can lead to bad smells and bad oral hygiene.
2. Brush It Gently: Clean your mouth guard with a soft toothbrush after you rinse it off. Baking soda paste, soap-like dish soap, or even a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste can be used. If you scrub too hard or use rough toothpaste, you could damage the guard.
3. Let It Dry Before Storing: Never store your mouth guard while it’s still wet. Lay it on a clean, flat surface to air dry. This helps stop bacteria from growing. It should dry completely in about 15–30 minutes.
4. Deep Clean It Weekly: Once a week, it’s a good idea to give your mouth guard a deep clean to get rid of any stubborn germs. First, soak it in white vinegar for 30 minutes. After that, rinse it well with cool water. Then, soak it again in hydrogen peroxide for another 30 minutes. Rinse it one more time and let it dry completely. If you don’t want to use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, you can use denture cleaning tablets or special mouth guard cleaners instead. Just follow the instructions on the package and rinse it well before using it again!
5. Store It Safely: Keep your mouth guard in a clean case when you’re not using it. Don’t store it in a humid place like the bathroom because heat and steam can bend it. Instead, store it in a dry spot like your bedroom.

The Best Mouth Guard for Jiu-Jitsu

For optimal protection, choose a custom-made mouth guard from a company like ALIGNERCO. In addition to providing superior protection and comfort, they are custom-made to fit your teeth. The mouth guards offered by ALIGNERCO are not only secure and long-lasting, but they also come in a variety of fashionable colors.

Final Thoughts

If you want to keep your natural smile safe while doing Jiu-Jitsu, getting a mouth guard is super important. You can choose from store-bought ones or custom ones made by a dentist or online companies like ALIGNERCO. The main goal is to protect your teeth and jaw from injuries.

It’s a good idea to talk to a dentist to figure out which mouth guard is best for you, especially if you have braces or are doing orthodontic treatment. A small investment in a mouth guard can help you keep your smile and stay safe while enjoying Jiu-Jitsu.