Okay, so I’ve been getting more into MMA lately, and let me tell you, getting punched in the face is no joke. I quickly realized I needed a mouthguard, and not just any cheap one. I wanted something that would actually protect my teeth and not feel like I was chewing on a brick.
First, I looked around online, reading reviews and trying to figure out what the heck I even needed. There are so many options, it’s kinda crazy. Boil-and-bites, custom-fit ones, ones with fancy gel… I felt totally lost.
I decided to start with a boil-and-bite, figuring it was a good middle ground. Went to the local sports store and picked one up. It was… okay. The process of boiling it and molding it to my teeth was, well, let’s just say I’m glad nobody was filming me. It felt bulky and I could barely talk, it was horrible.
Trying it Out
- Sparring Session #1: Felt like a chipmunk. Couldn’t breathe properly. Kept wanting to spit it out. But, hey, my teeth were still there.
- Sparring Session #2: Got a little better at breathing, still felt huge. Took a decent shot to the jaw and felt… nothing! Okay, maybe this thing works.
- Sparring Session #3: Almost forgot I had to wear it.
After a few more sessions, I was feeling a bit more confident. Then, I chatted with my coach. He recommended getting a custom-fit one from a dentist. Said it would be way more comfortable and offer even better protection. I was used the boil and bite.
It’s definitely on my list now. It’s expensive, but after all this, teeth are not, right? So for now, I’m sticking with my slightly-less-bulky boil-and-bite. It’s doing the job, and I’m getting used to it. Maybe someday I’ll upgrade, but for now, this is keeping my smile intact (mostly!).
