Okay, so I’ve been getting into MMA lately, and let me tell you, getting punched in the face is no joke. I quickly realized I needed a mouthguard, and not just any mouthguard, but one that would actually protect my teeth and jaw. So I started my little project to find the perfect one.
The Hunt Begins
First, I looked around online. I saw so many options! Different brands, different styles, different prices. It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. I read some reviews, but everyone seemed to have a different opinion. Some people loved the super cheap ones, others swore by the expensive custom-fitted ones.
Boil and Bite – My First Attempt
I decided to try a “boil and bite” mouthguard first. It seemed like a good middle ground – not too expensive, but still supposedly offering decent protection. I picked one up from a local sports store. The instructions were pretty straightforward:
- Boil water.
- Dip the mouthguard in for a specific amount of time (like 30 seconds, but I checked the instructions, of course!).
- Take it out, let it cool for a second, and then pop it in my mouth.
- Bite down hard and suck out the air to get a good fit.
The first time? Disaster. I think I left it in the boiling water for too long, because it came out all warped and weird. It wouldn’t even fit in my mouth properly. Total fail. I tossed that one.
Second Try – Success (Sort Of)
I bought another boil and bite, same brand. This time, I was extra careful. I followed the instructions to the letter, timed everything perfectly. It worked much better! I got a pretty snug fit, and it felt reasonably comfortable.
I used it for a few sparring sessions. It definitely helped with absorbing some of the impact, but it felt a bit bulky. I found myself clenching my jaw a lot, which made it a little sore. Also, talking with it in was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t easy.
Still Searching…?
So, the boil and bite is okay. It’s definitely better than nothing! But I’m still not 100% convinced it’s the perfect mouthguard for me. I might explore some other options, maybe even consider getting a custom-fitted one eventually. I’m thinking of maybe try a slim fit one next. It’s an ongoing process, this whole MMA thing! But hey, at least my teeth are (mostly) safe for now.
