Best Mouthguards for Jiu Jitsu and MMA (Full Guide and Review)

Here is our post on the best mouthguards for bjj.

First off, yes, you should wear a mouthguard for bjj. Second, we have compiled a list of the best mouthguards for bjj and answered some of the most common questions regarding mouthguards and bjj training.

Mouth Guards for BJJ Comparison Chart:

Best Mouthguards for BJJ – Ranked

1. Our Top Pic: Venum Challenger Mouthguard 

TYPE: Boil and Bite (Single sided mouthguard)

This mouthguard by Venum has been my go to mouth guard for bjj. I’ve probably actually purchased this same mouthgaurd at least 3 times since I seem to lose or misplace my mouthguard more than anything else I own.

The Venum mouthguard offers a solid balance of protection without inhibiting your breathing too much. If you want a more breathable mouthguard some good options are the Sisu or Bulletproof brand.

2. Safe Jawz Mouthguard 

TYPE: Boil and Bite (Single sided mouthguard)

This Safe Jawz mouthguard felt strong, durable, and pretty comfortable during training. I’m actually a fan of the design too, but it did seem a little thicker than the Venum mouthguard which is why it’s number 2 on this list.

This mouthguard is also re-mouldable, so you can have it fitted numerous times to achieve a perfect fit. 

Plus the size is available for adults and juniors.

3. Shock Doctor Pro 

TYPE: Boil and Bite (Single sided mouthguard)

AVAILABLE COLORS: 1 (black) 

Shock Doctor mouthguards are known to offer the most amount of protection and durability. While training in this mouthguard I definitely felt my teeth were protected. However, it did feel slightly larger than other mouthguards – but I guess that’s the trade off protection/durability vs size/breathability.

4. Sisu Mouthguard 

TYPE: Boil and Bite (Single sided mouthguard)

AVAILABLE COLORS: 16

The SISU Mouth Guards Aero was the most breathable mouthguard that I’ve ever used. It was smaller and let air flow without in/out without issue. For me, I felt it offered enough protection and didn’t impeded my breathing – a strong recommendation from me for a lightweight, breathable mouthguard.

This mouthguard is only 1.66 mm thin, which is 50% thinner than the standard and conventional mouthguards, thus making it very lightweight and different in appearance.. However, be aware this likely means less protection.

5. Oral Mart Mouthguard 

TYPE: Boil and Bite (Single mouthguard)

AVAILABLE COLORS: 14

This is my brother’s favorite mouthguard. I think probably more for the design than anything. I bought out to try it out and seemed like a decent mouthguard that hit all of our marks with no overly blaring cons.

The Oral Mart mouthguard is constructed with two layers, the inner layer being gel-fit and the outer layer being rigid and made of rubber. 

It is also available in youth and adult sizes and different colors and designs!

6. FIGHTR Mouthguard 

TYPE: Boil and Bite (Single sided mouthguard)

This Fightr Premium Mouth Guard provides some decent comfort, protection, and excellent breathability in one product. As of this writing it’s also slightly more affordable than the Venum mouthguard. However, for me, I struggled a bit molding it to fit comfortably in my mouth.

7. Impact Custom Professional Mouth Guard

TYPE: Custom (molds are taken and sent in)

If you want a custom mouthguard but don’t want to go through a dentist and wipe out your wallet this is a great option.

This mouthguard requires you to take molds and then send them in. This does guarantee a better fit but keep in mind there is a wait time.

The Impact Custom mouth guard is the only mouth guard on this list that is custom made by the vendor. While this does mean that it is more expensive if you are seriously concerned with comfort and protection this may be a solid option for you.

What you would do is:

• create molds yourself at home (using the stuff that dentists use)
• send them into the vendor
• they then create a custom mouth guard from them and ship it back to you

While this mouth guard my not be as convenient as the others with the “boil and bite” method, what you are paying for with your time and money is fit and comfort.

8. Bulletproof Kevlar Mouth Guard

TYPE: Boil and Bite (Single sided mouthguard)

BulletProof MouthGuards are another popular option for bjj and mma since they are one of the more breathable options on this list next to the Sisu brand mouth guards. When I tried these it, they were pretty light, but I didn’t feel my mouth was as protected when compared to the Venum or FIGHTR mouthguards.

The adult size is for people over 5’3″, while the youth size is for those under that height. The product comes with a 30-day return policy, and the mold at home version can easily be shaped and molded to your teeth.

9. Meister Moldable Double Mouthguard

TYPE: Boil and Bite (Double sided mouthguard)

This Meister Mouth Guard is our only double sided mouth guard on this list.

While the preference for many (including myself) is a single sided mouth guard for bjj, if you are looking to maximize protection then a double sided mouth guard may be better for you.

10. Nxtrnd Classic Mouth Guard

The Nxtrnd Classic Mouth Guard is another versatile mouthguard suitable for Brazilian jiu jitsu and other contact sports. However, these can have some issues with molding so they aren’t on the top of my list for recommendations.

It has a sleek design and a thin, single-layer shell that provides excellent protection for the lips, teeth, and jaw.

Lastly, the mouthguard comes with an unlimited defective warranty, with warranty details and contact information included in the packaging.

Why You Can Trust This List

This list took over 9 hours to compile and create. I took combined reviews and recommendations from amazon, vendor sites, and reddit to work down from 30+ mouth guards and mouth guard manufacturers to the 10 highly recommended mouthguards below.

Spoiler alert: I’m a big fan of the Venum mouthguard (see exhibit A)

If I don’t have first hand experience with training while wearing one of these mouth guards, I know someone, personally, who does – usually one of my 3 brothers (who also train bjj) or my bjj gym training partners.

Wearing a mouth guard is highly recommended when training jiu jitsu for a number of reasons:

1. Protection from dental injuries: BJJ involves a lot of close contact with your opponent, and accidental impacts to your mouth and teeth can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard can help protect your teeth and gums from chips, cracks, and other forms of dental trauma.
2. Preventing soft tissue injuries: A mouth guard can also help to prevent injuries to the soft tissue of your mouth, such as your lips, tongue, and cheeks. Injuries to these areas can be painful and can take a long time to heal.
3. Reducing the risk of concussion: While a mouth guard cannot prevent concussions, it can help to absorb some of the impact from blows to the jaw, reducing the risk of concussion.

What Mouth Guard Is Best for Jiu Jitsu?

The best mouth guards for jiu jitsu are ones that protect your teeth but do no get in the way of breathing. So the best mouthguards for bjj training and single sided, boil-and-bite, mouth guards like those offered by Venum and Sisu.

What’s the Most Preferred Mouth Guard Type?

The most preferred mouth guard type are single sided mouth guards that can be molded and fitted to your upper teeth at home.

Benefits of Wearing a Mouthguard for Jiu Jitsu

The following are some of the pros and benefits of wearing a mouth guard in Jiu-Jitsu:

• Shields your gums, tongue, and lips from cuts, jaw, and other dental injuries
• Guards your teeth against the possibility of them being chipped or damaged.
• It can help you to breathe more through your nose (nasal breathing), which increases oxygen quality and circulation
• Protect you from tooth nerve damage
• Extra protection for people with braces

Types of Mouthguards

Single vs Double Mouthguard

Mouthguards can be single or double. A single mouthguard is more compact and lightweight and protects the upper teeth. 

On the other hand, a double mouthguard protects the upper and lower teeth and the joints of the jaw, providing an increased amount of protection overall.

To compare the two, here are the advantages and disadvantages of single and double mouthguards:

Stock Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards are premade (primarily out of pliable plastic) and can be purchased at most pharmacies and sports goods shops. 

These mouthguards do not have to be molded in any way, nor can they be adjusted in any manner. 

They are conveniently made for you to wear and straight up just for protection, making them a feasible option or alternative to the other types. 

Boil and Bite Mouthguards

Boil and Bite mouthguards are, as the names imply, mouthguards that need boiling before being molded to the wearer’s mouth for a more precise fit.

It is the most well-known and widely used kind of mouthguard by athletes.

These mouthguards are made from a thermoplastic material that has the appearance of wax and may be pliable when put in hot water.

Like Stock mouthguards, they can also be found in most sporting goods stores and pharmacies.

How to Boil and Shape Your Mouthguard

You may shape your mouthguards or place them in boiling or hot water for around thirty seconds. 

After that, you let it cool for at least 15 to 20 seconds before placing it on the upper teeth. 

Bite firmly on it until it solidifies; then, you have a custom-fit mouthguard.

Custom Mouthguards

Among all types, Custom Mouthguards provide the best and perfect fit.

These mouthguards are prescribed and custom-made by your dentist.

Depending on your preference, the dentist can adjust the size, thinness, or thickness. They are designed to fit appropriately in your mouth without the need for any modifications to be done.

How are Mouthguards Fitted?

The steps on how mouthguards are fitted are similar to the boil and bite mouthguards procedures.

However, for custom-made ones, your dental professional will do a dental cast, where they will base your mouthguard’s fit.

Where Can I Find a Custom Mouthguard? 

Your dentists can usually make and prescribe one for you by first taking an impression of your teeth through a mold and then creating your custom mouthguard.

While these are highly recommended, they can be pretty pricey, usually in the $400-$700 range.

Are Custom Mouth Guards Worth It?

Custom mouthguards may seem like a luxury, but they can actually be incredibly important for jiu jitsu fighters especially if you want to best protection for your mouth with the most comfort.

Not only do they provide protection, but custom mouthguards are also tailored to the exact shape and size of your jaw, ensuring maximum comfort – this is usually done by a dental vendor or dental expert.

The truth is that if you’re serious about training in jiu jitsu then investing in a custom mouthguard is well worth it if you don’t want to risk any injuries to your teeth, tongue, or gums.

How to Get a Custom Mouth Guard Made

The process to have a custom mouth guard made is relatively straightforward and can be done either at your local dental practice or online.

At your dentist’s office, they will take an impression of your teeth using either digital imaging or traditional molding with resin. This impression will then be sent to a dental laboratory to create the perfect fit for your mouth guard.

You can also purchase custom-made mouth guards online by simply ordering a mouth guard like the Impact Custom Mouth Guard, taking molds yourself with traditional resin, and then sending those molds back to the vendor for them to create the mouth guard at a dental lab.

How to Take Care of Your Mouthguard (How to Clean your Mouthguard)

Because mouthguards are worn in the mouth, it is essential to keep them clean. It is due to the possibility of a buildup of bacteria.

In cleaning your mouthguards, we recommend washing them with warm water and soap after every class. Make sure that the soap is thoroughly rinsed off. 

You can also brush your mouthguard with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to make sure it is clean and good to go for your next class.

Another way of caring for or keeping your mouthguards clean is by placing them in a case or container when not in use.

With these ways, you’ll prevent them from discoloring and make them last longer.

What to Look for in a Mouth Guard for BJJ or MMA

When looking for a mouthguard for BJJ and MMA, you should seek good features such as:

• stability
• great fit and retention
• high-quality materials
• durability
• does not affect your breathing
• comfort

In simple terms, your mouthguards should provide a high level of protection without compromising your comfort or making it difficult for you to breathe correctly.

Now that you understand mouthguards better let’s look at the list and reviews of the best mouthguards for BJJ and MMA.

Best Mouthguards for Jiu Jitsu and MMA – Conclusion

Mouthguards are an important piece of equipment for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners. 

Not only do they protect your teeth and jaw, but they can also help you perform better in competition. 

In this blog post, we’ve outlined why mouthguards are necessary and how to take care of them. 

If you have any questions about mouthguards or want to schedule a discovery call with us so that we can help you find the best mouthguard for your needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Thanks for reading, and see you at the next one!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Most Mouthguards For Combat Sports Only Cover Top Teeth?

While it might seem strange that most mouth guards for jiu jitsu and other high impact sports only cover the top teeth and not the bottom ones too, there is actually a good reason for this.

1. The top teeth are generally more likely to suffer damage compared to the bottom ones. That’s because they protrude slightly more than the lower teeth, making them more vulnerable in situations where an impact could occur.
2. The lower teeth also tend to be further back in a person’s mouth. They’re less exposed to potential injuries or trauma.
3. Breathability concerns: mouth guards that cover both the top and bottom teeth tend to be bulkier and may make it obstruct your breathing slightly or be more uncomfortable than those that cover the top teeth only

That being said, if you want the most protection you should still consider wearing a mouth guard that covers both sets of teeth or a custom mouth guard.

Do Jiu Jitsu Fighters Wear Mouthguards?

While wearing a mouthguard isn’t required for jiu jitsu fighters in training or competition, they are highly recommended since they can protect you from damage to your teeth and head from impact.

Can You Wear Mouth Guard with Braces?

It is possible to protect yourself while training BJJ if you wear braces – and the best way to do that is by wearing a properly fitted mouth guard.

However, depending on the type of mouth guard you buy, it may or may not be compatible with braces.

When purchasing your mouth guard, we recommend checking specifically with the vendor if their mouth guard works with braces.

The best way to find out if you can wear a mouth guard with braces is to check with both the mouth guard vendor and your dentist. Unfortunately, the majority of boil and bite mouth guards are not recommended to be work with braces.

Can You Wear Someone Else’s Mouthguard?

No, you should not wear someone else’s mouthguard.

Aside from the hygiene and cleanliness concern, another person’s mouth guard will be custom fitted to their mouth and teeth structure so that it wouldn’t fit in you. 

Do Mouthguards That You Just Boil and Bite Work?

Yes, boil and bite mouthguards work.

This type of mouthguard is the most common mouthguard for Jiu-Jitsu and MMA because it is easier and more practical to obtain since you can mold it yourself.

These are also the ones that I have used personally throughout my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. 

Should You Buy a Custom Mouthguard?

If you have the means, we recommend using a custom mouthguard since it can offer a better fit and, in some cases, more protection.

Zack Nicholas

Zack is an avid jiu jitsu practitioner and martial arts nerd. He currently holds a brown belt in BJJ. When not on the mats or in the gym, he can be found going for walks with his wife, attempting (and often failing) to train his dog, and frequently obsessing over a specific hobby only to forget about it a week later.