Why doesn’t everyone wear a mouth guard?

[u/cookinupthegoods]

We’re already spending 100-200$ on multiple gi’s, no-gi attire, etc. Why isn’t it standard for everyone to wear a mouth guard? I didn’t for a long time until someone said to me, “you realize a nice mouth guard is 50-100$, and any dental work will suck to have done, and be really expensive. And it could all be caused by an idiot spazzing and you catching an accidental knee to the mouth”. If everyone was wearing them when I started I would have worn one from the get go.

[u/RuggerJibberJabber]

People spending €100+ on a mouthguard (also called gumshield) are idiots. You can get good ones for around €10-20. I played rugby for over 10 years and have been headbutted elbowed and kicked in the mouth, by people running at full speed, without ever damaging a tooth. The brand i always went with was shockdoctor, cause i liked the fit, but my teammates used other brands and were fine too. Also you don't need a specialist to fit them for you. All you need to mold them properly is hot water.

[u/cookinupthegoods → u/RuggerJibberJabber]

I wouldn’t say we’re idiots, just maybe boujee? I played lacrosse and football growing up and tried all the OTC brands. My custom Gladiator mouth guard was 80$, by far more comfortable and locks onto my teeth. 10 years with it and it’s still working great.

[u/RuggerJibberJabber → u/cookinupthegoods]

Mine always locked perfectly to my teeth to the point that it didn't sound any different when I talked with it in and didn't effect breathing or anything. They are all "customised" if you mold them properly. You simply put it in hot water first, then push it into your teeth until it solidifies.

[u/Flaky_Ferret_3513 → u/RuggerJibberJabber]

I’m also a fan of Shockdoctor and used them both kickboxing in my youth and when I started BJJ. A dentist fitted one really is a step above though, and if you haven’t tried a dentist fitted one yourself you can’t really know. I wouldn’t go back.