Muay Thai and Kickboxing Mouthguards

Quick answer: in Muay Thai and kickboxing, choose a mouthguard that stays in place during combinations and the clinch, lets you breathe out freely and does not hurt your gums. Boil-and-bite often suits beginners; custom-fit is a better match for regular practitioners looking for a more precise hold.

In this guide

1. Strikes and clinch
2. Breathing between exchanges
3. Choosing your model
4. Getting the fit right
5. From class to fight

Different demands from conventional boxing

Stand-up striking disciplines add kicks to punches and, depending on the rules, knees and the clinch. The head can be moved by an impact or by close-range action. A mouthguard, or gum shield, forms a layer between the upper and lower teeth and also limits direct contact between the lips and the teeth. It complements your equipment and supervised training without removing the risk of injury.

In the clinch, you should not have to reposition the guard with your tongue. A model that drops as soon as you open your mouth distracts you and can end up chewed. Stability is therefore a more useful criterion than a general promise of “maximum protection”.

Breathing, speaking and comfort during rounds

The breathing difficulty you feel with a mouthguard often comes from its bulk, its shape or a lack of habit. A suitable model does not magically boost performance; studies on the subject remain mixed. On the other hand, a stable guard can be easier to tolerate because it does not require you to clench your jaw continuously.

Get used to it during exercises of gradually increasing intensity. Say a few words, breathe out on your strikes and check that the mouthguard does not come loose. A marked feeling of obstruction, pain or a persistent gag reflex are reasons to reconsider the size or ask for advice.

Boil-and-bite or custom-fit?

A boil-and-bite mouthguard (thermoformable, moulded at home in hot water) is suitable as a first piece of kit and for a controlled budget. The result depends on following the instructions exactly. When moulding, aim to take the impression of your arch without squashing the material too much. A model that feels loose after cooling is not fitted properly.

The custom-fit mouthguard is made from an approved impression. It is particularly suited to frequent training, long sessions and competition. At Proteksports, allow 5–10 days for production after your impression is approved, as a general rule, plus the time needed to send the kit back and forth.

Signs that the fit needs correcting

• The mouthguard falls out when you open your mouth.
• An area turns white or becomes very thin after heating.
• An edge irritates your lip frenulum or a gum.
• You chew it constantly to keep it in place.
• Its shape has changed after being stored near a heat source.

Do not make major changes to a model with scissors or a heated tool. A poorly controlled adjustment can create a sharp edge and remove material where it is needed.

Preparing for sparring and competition

Test the guard on pads and technical drills before sparring. For a competition, check the rules of the federation or event, particularly regarding the colour and condition of equipment. Bring a clean case, write your name on the case rather than on an area that must stay smooth, and replace the model if it is split.

Compare this advice with the boxing guide or the MMA guide, depending on your discipline.

Fit, care and ordering

Impression and care guidance can be found in the instructions and the comparison.

In the clinch, an unstable model gets in the way of your breathing: test the hold with your mouth open before hard sparring.