Why Do BJJ Practitioners Wear Mouth Guards?

    Ah, mouth guards. They're like the unsung heroes of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) gear. You know, those small pieces of rubber or silicone that you stick in your mouth before rolling around on the mat with your fellow BJJ enthusiasts.

    Submission Shark mouth Guards

    But why do we wear them? Well, the short answer is to protect our pearly whites from getting knocked out or chipped during training. And trust me, you don't want to end up showing up to work or school the next day with missing teeth.

    BJJ is a contact sport, and while it's not as striking-heavy as boxing or kickboxing, accidents can still happen. A stray knee or elbow to the face can cause some serious dental damage. And let's not forget about all the accidental headbutts that can occur while grappling. Ouch.

    Mouth guards act as a cushion between your teeth and your jaws, absorbing the impact of any hits or collisions. They can also help prevent cuts and lacerations on the inside of your mouth caused by braces or other dental work.

    So, if you're a BJJ practitioner, do yourself a favor and invest in a good mouth guard. Your teeth will thank you, and you'll be able to keep that winning smile intact.

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    What Are Mouth Guards?

    Picture this: you're rolling around on the mat with your BJJ training partner, trying to execute that fancy armbar you saw on YouTube. Suddenly, your teeth clack together like a pair of castanets. Ouch! Not only does it hurt, but it's also not a great sound to hear in the middle of a grappling session.

    Enter the mouth guard. This little piece of equipment might not look like much, but it's actually a lifesaver for your teeth. It's a small, often rubber or silicone, device that you pop in your mouth before training. And no, it's not a fancy new chewing gum!

    The purpose of a mouth guard is to protect your teeth from any accidental impacts or collisions that might occur during BJJ training. It also helps to cushion your teeth from any forceful clenching or grinding that can occur during grappling.

    Plus, they can even help to reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing some of the shocks from any blows to the head. It's not going to abusively prevent concussion, but it can definitely help!

    Why are mouth guards important?

    We all know that our sport is more about grappling than striking. But that doesn't mean we're immune to the occasional errant knee or elbow to the face. And let's be honest, we've all accidentally headbutted our partners during a scramble at some point. It happens!

    That's where mouth guards come in. They might not be the most glamorous piece of gear in your BJJ bag, but they're definitely important. Mouth guards help to protect your teeth, lips, and gums from any accidental impacts that might occur during training. And believe me, you don't want to be missing a tooth (or two) when you're trying to flash that winning smile.

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    How do mouth guards work?

    So, what do they actually do? Well, mouth guards are pretty simple in their function. They're designed to protect your teeth, gums, tongue, and lips from any accidental impacts that might occur during training or competition. Think of them as a tiny little security system for your mouth.

    But here's the thing: mouth guards don't actually do anything to improve your performance in a fight. You can't bite down on them to last longer while being choked or while trying to escape a submission. And no, they won't give you superhuman strength or grappling skills.

    So, how do they work? Essentially, mouth guards act as a cushion between your teeth and the rest of your mouth. They absorb any force from hits or collisions, distributing the impact more evenly and preventing any damage to your teeth or surrounding tissue. It's a small but important way to protect your oral health while you train.

    In short, mouth guards might not make you a BJJ world champion, but they can definitely save you a trip to the dentist. And let's be honest, that's a win in our book.

    How do you choose the right mouth guard?

    First things first, let's talk thickness. Mouth guards come in different thicknesses, typically ranging from two to eight millimeters. Now, you might be thinking "Bigger is better," but that's not always the case. A mouth guard that's too thick can be uncomfortable and make it hard to breathe or talk. Ain't nobody got time for that.

    So, what's the sweet spot? According to the experts, a mouth guard that's four millimeters thick is the way to go. It offers the perfect balance of comfort and protection, making it great for those accidental impacts that can happen in BJJ. Plus, you'll still be able to breathe and communicate with your training partners, which is always a plus.

    Another thing to consider when choosing a mouth guard is the material it's made from. Look for a mouth guard that's made from a high-density rubber or gel material that can absorb impact and distribute it evenly. And if you have braces or other dental work, make sure to choose a mouth guard that's specifically designed to accommodate them.

    Submission Shark BJJ Gear

    Finally, don't forget to wash and disinfect your mouth guard after every use. This will help to keep it free from bacteria and other germs, keeping you safe and healthy while you train. Organic cleaning solutions are the way to go here, as they're free from any harsh chemicals or toxins.

    All in all, mouth guards are an important piece of gear for BJJ practitioners. They may not make you a better grappler, but they can definitely help to protect your dental health while training. So next time you head to the mats, you can have more confidence knowing that your teeth are safe and sound. Now that's a win-win!

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