Why Mouthguards Matter in MMA

Like boxing, MMA isn’t a sport that requires a lot of gear, but there is one piece of equipment MMA fighters cannot do without—a mouthguard.

The injury rate amongst MMA fighters is estimated at

%

which is higher than other full contact sports like judo (4%), taekwondo (8%), and professional boxing (18%).
Over

%

of injuries sustained by MMA fighters are to the head.
In one study, over

%

of dental injuries suffered in boxing, taekwondo, kickboxing, and Muay Thai were tooth fractures.

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A Brief History of Mouthguards in MMA

The first mouthguards were used in boxing and were devices boxers made themselves with materials like cotton, sponge, wood, and tape. It wasn’t until the 1890s that London-based dentist Woolf Krause created the first “gum shield” using gutta-percha, a natural rubber resin. Woolf’s son Philip, an amateur boxer himself, went on to create the first re-usable gum shields.

Although mixed martial arts can trace its lineage almost 6000 years back to ancient China, MMA as we know it now didn’t get its start until later in the twentieth century.

Today, MMA organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) impose some of the strictest regulations to keep their athletes safe. The most prevalent rule set is the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts,which is used by the UFC and has been widely adopted worldwide as well. These rules identify mouthguards as mandatory pieces of equipment that fighters must wear.

Which Makura Mouthguard Is Best for MMA Fighters?

Since MMA is a contact sport, we would highly recommend the TEPHRA MAX™. It boasts the highest level of impact resistance (Level 3) available for mouth-adapted mouthguards and features SHOKBLOKER™, FLEXICORE™, and GELFORM™ technology to keep you protected and comfortable.

Remember, however, that finding the best mouthguard for you is a highly personal process. At the end of the day, the right mouthguard is the one that fits you the best.

When choosing a mouthguard for MMA, pay attention for things like:

Fit

A properly fitted mouthguard keeps wearers both comfortable and safe. A mouthguard that fits well will remain securely in place (no clenching required to hold it) even if you jostle it a bit with your tongue and won’t make you gag, prevent you from speaking, or inhibit breathing in any way.

Certification

As part of the CE approval process, mouthguards must be impact tested by an independent third party. All Makura mouthguards are fully CE certified and have achieved Level 2 and Level 3 Impact Resistance. Our BOIL & BITE™ TEPHRA MAX™ is Level 3 Impact Resistant, the highest level achievable for mouth-adapted mouthguards, and our braces-compatible LITHOS PRO™ is Level 2 Impact Resistant, which is the highest attainable level for ready-made mouthguards.

Features

Look for things like gel-based and flexible liners, shock-absorbing outers, and more that are suited to your sport and your style.  If you have braces, make sure you choose a braces-compatible mouthguard to keep both you and your braces safe from harm.
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Compare Makura Mouthguards

TEPHRA MAX™

  • Comes with a removable strap you can use to attach your mouthguard to your helmet.
  • Boasts the highest level of impact resistance (Level 3) attainable for mouth-adapted mouthguards.
  • Features a SHOKBLOKER™ outer, FLEXICORE™ inner, and GELFORM™ liner for unparalleled shock absorption and comfort.
  • CE approved and certified.
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IGNIS™

  • Comes with a removable strap you can use to attach your mouthguard to your helmet.
  • Is Level 2 impact resistant.
  • Features a SHOKBLOKER™ outer and GELFORM™ liner for maximum protection.
  • CE approved and certified.
  • Available in two sizes—senior (ages 11 and over) and junior (ages 10 and under)—and up to nine colour combinations.
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LITHOS™

  • Comes with a removable strap you can use to attach your mouthguard to your helmet.
  • Is Level 2 impact resistant, the highest achievable for ready-made mouthguards.
  • The ORTHO Channel fits over fixed braces for a secure fit.
  • Features a SHOKBLOKER™ body for maximum shock absorption and SLIPSAFE pads that prevent it from
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TOKA™

  • Available in a convertible version that comes with a strap you can use to attach your mouthguard to your helmet. The strap is fully detachable, so you can also wear your mouthguard without it if preferred.
  • The TOKA™ is Level 2 Impact Resistant.
  • The SHOKBLOKER™ outer keeps players safe, while the BOIL & BITE™ fit ensures uncompromised comfort.
  • CE approved and certified.
  • Available in two sizes—senior (ages 11 and over) and junior (ages 10 and under)—and six colour combinations.
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KYRO PRO™

  • Available in strapped and strapless versions.
  • Made with a tough SHOKBLOKER™ outer, AIRTHRU channel, and SLIPSAFE pads.
  • Available in two sizes—junior (ages 10 and under) and senior (ages 11 and over)—and two colours, clear and black.
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