BJJ Mouthguards

Quick answer: in BJJ, look for a low-profile mouthguard that stays stable without constant clenching and is comfortable while you breathe on the ground. Custom-fit is particularly worthwhile for regular practitioners who are sensitive to bulk; a carefully moulded boil-and-bite mouthguard remains a suitable option to start with.

In this guide

1. Why protect yourself in grappling
2. Low profile and retention
3. Your partner's safety
4. Choosing your model
5. Testing during a roll

Why wear a mouthguard in BJJ?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is not based on strikes, but the mouth is still exposed to accidental contact: a knee during a transition, a head during a scramble, pressure from a forearm or a fall. Practitioners may also suddenly clench their teeth during an effort or a defence. A well-fitted mouthguard, or gum shield, limits direct contact between the upper and lower teeth and protects the soft tissues against the teeth.

It must not, however, create a new problem. A model that comes loose can be uncomfortable in a tight position. Stability and the absence of harsh edges are therefore priorities.

A low profile for breathing on the ground

Grappling rounds alternate intense efforts and compressed positions. A bulky mouthguard can make the feeling of discomfort worse. Look for even coverage and a natural hold, rather than simply choosing the maximum thickness. The shape must let you open your mouth without the guard falling out.

Breathing does not depend solely on the mouthguard, and no model guarantees better performance. A precise fit can, however, reduce the need to clench and make it easier to forget you are wearing it during a roll.

Think about your partner's safety too

Inspect the edges and the surface. A torn or sharp part can irritate your mouth and scratch a partner during close contact. Do not wear a model with a rigid external part or an attachment unsuitable for groundwork.

If the mouthguard falls out, do not try to retrieve it in the middle of an exchange. Stop the sequence with your partner safely and correct the fit before starting again.

Boil-and-bite or custom-fit for BJJ?

A boil-and-bite mouthguard (thermoformable, moulded at home in hot water) offers an easy way in for your first sessions. Its moulding must create enough retention without squashing the material. Once it has cooled, talk and open your mouth to check that it stays on the arch.

A custom-fit mouthguard makes sense for frequent training, competitions or if you tolerate standard models poorly. Proteksports production generally takes 5–10 days after your impression is approved. Try it over several training sessions before an important event.

Test protocol before an intense roll

1. Wear it during the warm-up and check your speech.
2. Test it during technical drills without resistance.
3. Move on to a light roll with a partner who knows you are testing it.
4. Then check your gums and any marked areas.
5. Only increase the intensity if no discomfort appears.

If your training includes strikes, also use the criteria in the MMA guide.

Fit, care and ordering

For impressions, care and orthodontics: instructions and dentist guide.

In BJJ, a bulky profile gets in the way on the ground: try it first in a light roll.