A mouthguard protects your teeth, lips and jaw whenever a punch lands on your face. It should stay in place on its own, let air through and be thin enough for you to talk to your coach. For most people who train, a well-moulded boil-and-bite guard meets all three requirements.
In short
- Wear a mouthguard from the first contact drill, not just in full sparring.
- A boil-and-bite model moulds to your teeth in a few minutes.
- It should stay put without you clenching, and let you breathe.
- If you wear braces, ask your orthodontist before buying.
- Rinse it after every session and store it in a ventilated case.
Why a mouthguard is essential
A straight punch to the face or a hook to the jaw is enough to chip an incisor or split a lip against your teeth. A mouthguard works like a shock absorber: it spreads the impact across the whole arch, stops your upper and lower teeth clashing and keeps your lips away from sharp tooth edges.
It also has a less visible role. By holding the jaw in a stable position, it reduces the shock passed on to the jaw joint. It is not protection against concussion, but it is a basic piece of safety kit, just like hand wraps or headgear.
Dental treatment after a broken tooth can easily cost several hundred francs. By comparison, a mouthguard is one of the cheapest items in your kit.
What to look for
Fit. This is the main criterion. A guard that moves forces you to clench your jaw all the time, which is tiring and gets in the way of breathing. Boil-and-bite models mould to your teeth; custom guards made by a dentist give the most precise fit, at a much higher price.
Breathing. During a round you breathe a lot through your mouth. Built-in air channels make airflow easier without reducing protection.
Construction. A multi-layer or dual-density design combines a firm part that spreads the impact with a softer part against the teeth for comfort.
Materials. A mouthguard spends a long time in your mouth, so choose a BPA-free and latex-free material.
Size. Children need a format that suits their jaw. An adult model that is too big triggers the gag reflex and will not stay in place.
| Type | Fit | Price | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard, non-mouldable | Approximate | Low | Emergency use only |
| Boil-and-bite | Good once moulded | Moderate | Most people who train |
| Custom (dentist) | Very precise | High | Competitors, special cases |
Moulding a boil-and-bite mouthguard
Always follow the instructions supplied with your model. The general principle is as follows:
- Heat some water, then take it off the heat before it boils.
- Put the mouthguard in for the time stated in the instructions, until it softens.
- Lift it out with a spoon, shake off the water and let it cool for a few seconds.
- Place it over your top teeth, bite down firmly, suck out the air and water, then press your cheeks and lips against the material with your fingers.
- Take it out and put it in cold water to set the shape.
The result is right if the guard stays in place when you open your mouth, without you having to bite down. If it moves or feels uncomfortable, mould it again following the manufacturer's instructions.
Special cases
Braces. With fixed braces, standard moulding can damage the brace or interfere with the planned movement of your teeth. Talk to your orthodontist before choosing a model.
Children. Teeth change quickly between the ages of 6 and 14. Check the fit regularly and replace the mouthguard as soon as it no longer holds.
Competition. Most combat sports federations require a mouthguard. Some ban red colours or require a single-arch model, so check the rules of your discipline.
Care and replacement
Rinse your mouthguard in cold water after every session, never in hot water, which can deform it. Brush it gently from time to time and let it dry in a ventilated case, not loose in your bag. Replace it if it is torn, bitten through, deformed or no longer fits properly.
Our RDX picks
- RDX 3W Mouth Guard – boil-and-bite, dual layer free from BPA and latex, Shell-Shock gel and Molar Tech™ for the molars, air channels, ventilated carry case; in adult and kids' sizes, WAKO-approved. CHF 49.00
- RDX T1 Head Guard with Removable Face Cage – to complete your face protection for sparring, Maya Hide leather and removable cage, CE certified. CHF 59.00
- RDX WX Professional Boxing Hand Wraps – 4.5 m with thumb loop, so your hands are protected too. CHF 15.00
Find the RDX 3W in every colour in our Mouthguards collection.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a mouthguard for bag work?
Not necessarily on the bag alone. As soon as a partner is involved, even for light technical drills, you should wear one.
Can you breathe normally with a mouthguard?
Yes, if it is well moulded. Models with air channels make airflow even easier.
How many times can a mouthguard be re-moulded?
It depends on the model. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid heating it more than necessary.
Can my child wear an adult model?
No. Choose a kids' size: a guard that is too big will not stay in place and makes breathing harder.
When should I replace my mouthguard?
As soon as it is damaged, deformed or no longer stays in on its own. For children, check the fit several times a year.
Protect your smile with our Mouthguards collection. Free delivery in Switzerland from CHF 100 – order before 12:00 for same-day dispatch from Meyrin.
Adapted from a guide by the RDX Sports team.
