Mouth guard question

[GeoGiant]

Recently I got tagged in the jaw and I didn't have my teeth clinched on my mouth guard. Well, it hurt! I couldn't touch my back teeth together for a day. I've been trying to practice clinching my teeth more... wearing my mouth guard for warm ups etc. I seem to be biting through the mouth guard. Am i biting too hard or is the mouth guard too cheap (I got a $3 clear jelly type guard).

[Jeffrey]

I used the same clear jelly cheap mouth guard for a while but after getting hit in the jaw more then once I rethought this cheap piece of plastic. I ended up going to the dentist and getting one fitted for my mouth. It was a little pricey but worth every penny in the end.

[IcemanSK]

I second Jeffrey's urging for a dentist made mouth piece. They are not cheap, but worth every penny. There are several types & thicknesses that one can get. From thinner for basketball to very thick for Boxing & MA. I would encourage you to get the thicker ones.

Then there are companies like this one: http://www.fightdentist.com/ who add a lot of flash to dentist-made mouth pieces.

Either way, $150 US is worth it for a mouth piece when the replacement costs can be three times that.

My $.02

[GeoGiant]

Wow, I had no idea you could get such a thing. I will check with my dentist. You are right; $150 is a drop in the bucket compared to having a tooth knocked out.

For my own information, can you describe your mouth guard – Is it top & bottom pieces or just a singular upper piece like I have now??? Does the dentist made mouth guard make is easier to take a hit if your teeth aren't clinched??? Is $150 a standard price???

Thanks!

[Jeffrey]

Hey Geo,

Mine is a top piece only and it fits so wel that if I don't have my teeth clinched it still makes taking the hit better than what I had. The nice thing about getting one this way is once the mold is done (which the major cost) getting a relacement guard is a lot less if you loss it. I paid $85 CAD for the mold (Thats $85.43 USD...couldn't help myself sorry) and then the guard was about $30.00 approx.

[IcemanSK]

I've had them made in both Illinois & California. $150 seems to be about the norm. I think even that website I gave you sells them for about that.

The best things I've found about them (apart from the great protection) is that one can breathe so much easier. I put mine in before sparring class starts & I can teach a whole class without ever removing it. I can talk & spar without fumbling with it.

All my best to you!

[GeoGiant]

Jeffrey, thanks. BTW, I use the metric system any time i can LOL.

IcemanSK, you answered my next question. What started me on this quest to get a better mouth guard was a HARD shot to the jaw. My face felt out of line for 2 days. I think the problem was that I was opening my mouth trying to suck in air when i got hit. Being able to wear a mouth guard and breath after I started panting would be great.

[DWx]

Dentist made is definitely the way to go. Mine's saved me from concussion and lost teeth several times. Got my first one free off the NHS Had to pay about £70 for the second (think that's about $110) but its well worth the money. Cheaper than dental work and doctors bills if you do take a hit badly.

[pittbullJudoka]

A mouth guard is something you don't go cheap on. I use Shock Doctor mouth pieces with great success. I use the dna model it's about $20 to $25 but worth the mouth piece. But I would have to believe the denist made mouth guards would have to be the best because of the custom fit. No matter house much a store bought mouth piece costs could compare to a mold pulled directly off your own mouth. Just remember you get what you pay for.

[GeoGiant]

After reading everyones posts I feel foolish for not getting a better mouth guard sooner. I'm calling my dentist ASAP.