Recommend me a gum shield

[roboxm3]

Afternoon all,

Been doing Muay Thai for 7/6 weeks now and apparently next week we're starting sparring!!

I thought I'd prepare for getting punched and kicked in the head by getting myself a gum shield but was unsure whether it's intended use made any difference or whether any particular type was better than another...so I thought I'd ask you lot.

Any advise and / or links to recommended gum shields would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Rob

[frank hovis]

Off the shelf ones are fine

I wouldn't recommend the double ones , never felt comfy when i tried them

best get to your dentist and get a proper one made , expensive but cheaper than dental work trust me
{ Two cracked molars with Muay Thai }

[dtmpower]

Get a proper molded one from your dentist. The off the shelf thermo softening ones never fit correctly.

[dtmpower]

Also a good gum shield can also provent other injuries such as back or neck.

[Sheets Tabuer]

You might find yourself buying a few.

Some you can stick in boiling water and shape them to your teeth others are gel and you just pop em in your gob.

shock doctor, adidas etc or you can even get custom ones made.

ETA: you'll probably wear one all the time when you are training, I used to wear the soft gel ones while doing bag work (you'd be surprised how much you grit your teeth).

I found the shop bought ones used to dig into the skin under my top lip so went with custom made for sparring.

Edited by Sheets Tabuer on Wednesday 11th May 12:20

[shouldbworking]

Sheets Tabuer said:

You'll probably wear one all the time when you are training, I used to wear the soft gel ones while doing bag work (you'd be surprised how much you grit your teeth).

First time I've ever heard of that!

I got an off the shelf one and trimmed it to suit to avoid issues like Sheets Tabuer mentions with it digging in to the gum line

[Tiggsy]

I play basketball and have tried off the shelf, the more expensive ones are ok but I'm having my dentist do me one now as they never "fit" perfect.

[Rach*]

If you look up your local "clinical dental technician" you might be able to cut out the dentist and have one made directly by the lab.

Certain technicians are now able to see patients directly for dentures, I'm not sure about gum shields but it's worth asking.

[roboxm3]

Thanks for the advice everyone!!

I think I'll grab an off the shelf gum shield for now, as sparring starts next week and then I'll make some investigations into the clinical dental technician option and have one made to measure if things progress...or if I turn out not to be very good and not getting kicked and / or punched in the head!!

Wish me luck!!

[Lost_BMW]

dtmpower said:

Get a proper molded one from your dentist. The off the shelf thermo softening ones never fit correctly.

This, absolutely. Or one made to measure by one of the specialist manufacturers, but though that might be quicker(?) would be pricey.

[MacGee]

playsafe mouthgards...the best IMHO.

[BigAlinEmbra]

Another vote for getting the dentist to make one. Not only do they fit far better, so less likely to fly out when you are puffing and panting, but they tend to be slimmer so it's easier breathing with them in too.

[Meatball]

Get a dentist one, ive seen front teeth snapped with boil and bite gum shields

[EmmaP]

I had one made by my dentist. Very comfortable and, of course, a perfect fit. My teeth are amongst my most treasured possessions.

[MacGee]

A good gumshield must be a uniform thickness all way round. If you have slightly crooked teeth then plastic thinner at that spot...equals less support and thus impact will allow force unto the nearst tooth and so possible damage. A good shield is vacuum pressed unto models of your teeth. Maybe two layers. A hard shield is for harder impacts like hockey. A softer one where the lower teeth bite into it are for an impact like boxing. It acts like a cushion to absorb shock waves being transmitted to brain and so less concussion. Also the lower jaw if hit from side will be supported from lateral trauma due to the biting fit.

Edited by MacGee on Friday 13th May 07:34

Edited by MacGee on Friday 13th May 16:13

[dave_s13]

I do MT. Had a few fights and stuff.

You'll be fine with a boil in the bag one first off. If you stick at it and are sparring regularly, and going hard enough to damage each other, then go get a dentist one.

I had mine made about 5-6yrs ago and I think it cost about £40. After a 3 year lay off I went back to the gym last week and it still fits perfect.

Make sure you have a box too. And when you are sparring keep your chin tucked in and try to take any punches on your forehead.

[roboxm3]

dave_s13 said:

I do MT. Had a few fights and stuff.

You'll be fine with a boil in the bag one first off. If you stick at it and are sparring regularly, and going hard enough to damage each other, then go get a dentist one.

I had mine made about 5-6yrs ago and I think it cost about £40. After a 3 year lay off I went back to the gym last week and it still fits perfect.

Make sure you have a box too. And when you are sparring keep your chin tucked in and try to take any punches on your forehead.

Thanks for the advice dave, I may be back for more after tomorrow night, keep an eye out for the "help me not get my ar*e kicked at Muay Thai" thread!!

I've ordered myself an Opro 'boil & bite' gum shield for now (this one... http://www.sportsdirect.com/opro-silver-mouthguard... but if things continue I will definitely get one made at the dentist.

I haven't got a box and don't think I'll get chance to get one before tomorrow night, so I guess I'll just have to be extra alert and light on my feet!!

[dave_s13]

No, keep your feet planted, don't fanny around like those bouncy TKD poofters