If you’re thinking about getting into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), one of the very first pieces of kit you’ll need to invest in is a high-quality mouthguard.
Even though Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not a martial art that typically involves a lot of striking at the face, wearing a mouthguard is a good preventative measure to take in case of accidents.
Unfortunately, many fighters are put off the idea of wearing a mouthguard due to discomfort and impracticality they may have experienced from cheaper mouthguard models. Because the rules of competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu don’t enforce the wearing of mouthguards, many fighters choose to go without.
However, having done extensive research into the types of BJJ mouthguards available on the market currently, we’ve been able to conclude that wearing a mouthguard doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or restrictive at all!
In fact, there are many high-quality sports mouthguards available that use advanced construction and technology to provide the ultimate comfortable, protective experience for BJJ training and competition alike.
This article will review the 5 best BJJ mouthguards on the market alongside a carefully curated buyer’s guide and FAQ section. We hope it will help you to find a BJJ mouthguard that you’ll love just as much as the rest of your gear!
Got a training session to get to? Check out our top pick:
Shock Doctor Pro Mouthguard
- Multi-layer construction
- Front bumper for shock-absorption
- Braces-compatible
- Boil-and-bite molding
- Comes with or without strap
- Available in adult and youth sizes
- Covered by $10,000 dental warranty
OUR TOP PICK
Shock Doctor is the U.K’s leading manufacturer of mouthguards and protective sports equipment, but the company’s products are sold and loved worldwide.
Because of this, we expected big things from the Shock Doctor Pro Mouthguard, and we certainly weren’t disappointed!
The multi-layer construction of the Shock Doctor Pro features a shock-absorbing internal frame that will fit perfectly thanks to the quick boil-and-bite molding system.
A shock-absorbing front bumper has also been incorporated into the design, providing an extra layer of protection for the most delicate and exposed front teeth.
The Shock Doctor Pro is compatible with braces and comes with a $10,000 dental guarantee warranty, so you can be confident in this mouthguard’s ability to provide protection.
This mouthguard is available as a strapless or strapped model. A mouthguard strap can be useful for securing the mouthguard in place by attaching it to a helmet or some other form of headgear.
If you are someone who likes to wear a head guard during fights, this feature could be useful for you.
Youth and adult sizes are also available, with the youth size catering to years 10 and below, and the adult size being suitable for years 11 and up.
Pros
- Protective multi-layer construction
- Shock-absorbing front bumper
- Compatible with braces
- Quick boil-and-bite molding
- Available with or without strap
- Youth and adult sizes available
- $10,000 dental warranty
Cons
- Some wearers found this model uncomfortable
EDITORS CHOICE
The Aero Sports Mouthguard from SISU is primarily marketed as a guard for contact sports such as rugby, soccer, and hockey, but it’s also one of the best mouthguard models you can get for BJJ.
This mouthguard features a slim build that really improves the ergonomics of the product as a whole. The slimline design enables easy breathing, talking, and swallowing.
SISU uses Diffusix technology to effectively distribute shockwaves, ensuring that any potentially damaging impact is diffused throughout the mouth to minimize the chances of tooth breakage.
The crumple zones and perforation pattern also contribute to this mouthguard’s protective and comfortable qualities.
The wide bite pad with rounded edges makes this mouthguard very comfortable to wear and also improves its ability to mold to the wearer’s mouth (multiple times, if necessary) using a standard boil-and-bite method.
The Aero Sports mouthguard is available in 16 stunning colors, including forest green, hot pink, and lavender, amongst many others!
This mouthguard is manufactured in 3 sizes (small, medium, and large) labeled in the size guide by age and height so you can set yourself up with the best possible chance of a perfect fit!
Pros
- Slim build for an ergonomic fit
- Diffusix technology for shock distribution
- Wide bite pad for better molding
- 16 color options
- 3 available sizes
Cons
- May take several attempts to mold properly
BEST VALUE
Venum’s ‘Challenger’ Mouthguard is hands down one of the best mouthguards money can buy, for BJJ or indeed for any other martial art or sport.
This mouthguard uses advanced shock-management and comfort technology to provide comfortable and highly effective protection.
The Nextfit gel frame allows the mouthguard to align perfectly with the contours of your teeth for a perfect fit.
Meanwhile, the lower high-density rubber frame provides excellent shock-management by redistributing any shock waves towards your strongest teeth (the molars at the back of your mouth) to minimize tooth damage in the event of a strike or other impact.
Venum’s Challenger model has been designed to facilitate easy and effective breathing, so you won’t find your respiratory function compromised when you need it most.
The fitting process involves a simple boil-and-bite procedure for which all you will need is a pot of water, some ice water, a (preferably slotted) spoon, a timer, and ideally a mirror.
A sanitary, protective case is also included with the purchase of the Venum Challenger so that you can keep your mouthguard safe from impact damage and bacteria when it’s not in use.
Pros
- Gel frame allows for a perfect fit
- Rubber frame redistributes shock waves
- Designed for easy breathing
- Easy boil-and-bite fitting
- Protective case included
Cons
- Some reported concerns about durability
RUNNER UP
This is our second reviewed product from Shock Doctor, but we just wouldn’t make a list of the best BJJ mouthguards without talking about the Shock Doctor Gel Max.
The Gel Max mouthguard uses Gel-fit liner technology to ensure a comfortable and specific fit that molds to the wearer’s dental structure using the boil-and-bite method.
This Shock Doctor mouthguard model features an exoskeletal shock frame for heavy-duty dental protection, and integrated breathing channels so you’ll never find that your breathing is restricted when wearing the guard.
The triple-layer construction enhances the protection provided by this mouthguard and increases the product’s durability.
One of the main issues martial artists and sports players report when it comes to mouthguards is an unpleasant, sometimes plasticky taste.
Shock Doctor, however, offers the Gel Max mouthguard in a range of flavored options, including bubblegum, blue raspberry, cherry, fruit punch, lemon/lime, orange, and mint.
Alternatively, you can also purchase this mouthguard as a non-flavored model.
This mouthguard is also available in both adult and youth sizes, so children and adults alike can enjoy a safe Jiu-Jitsu experience.
Pros
- Exoskeletal shock frame for protection
- Integrated breathing channels
- Intuitive boil-and-bite molding
- Flavored or non-flavored
- Available in adult and youth sizes
Cons
- Some reported issues with sizing
RUNNER UP
The Venum Predator Mouthguard is yet another very popular product from Venum, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best mouthguards you can buy for BJJ.
Like the Venum mouthguard we reviewed earlier, the ‘Predator’ has a Nextfit gel frame that makes the boil-and-bite molding process easier than ever and ensures superior comfort.
Meanwhile, the high-density rubber frame and multi-layer construction facilitate all-over dental protection and durability.
Advanced breathing channels have been incorporated into this mouthguard’s construction so that you can always take in as much air as you need to during training and fighting without any uncomfortable restrictions.
This mouthguard is available for purchase in 13 different color combinations and comes with a protective case so you never have to worry about your mouthguard betting damaged between uses.
Pros
- Nextfit gel frame for comfortable molding
- Protective high-density rubber frame
- Multi-layer construction for durability
- Advanced breathing channels
- 13 color options
- Protective case included
Cons
- Too bulky for some wearers
Best BJJ Mouthguard Buying Guide
As we’re sure you’ve gathered from our product reviews, there’s a lot more to a good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mouthguard than just a piece of rubber or plastic to protect your teeth.
Many elements of mouthguard construction and technology contribute to how protective the product is as well as how well it fits and how comfortable it is to wear.
The buyer’s guide is here to ensure that you’re fully informed about all the different factors involved in choosing the best BJJ mouthguard.
Construction
The overall construction of a BJJ mouthguard mostly consists of the main frame, often comprising several layers and, in some cases, a front bumper.
The frame of a mouthguard will normally be made of a combination of high-density rubber for superior protection and some form of gel for comfort and molding purposes.
We recommend multi-layered construction in a BJJ mouthguard because the multiple players will not only provide more protection but also extend the longevity of your mouthguard because you’ll be less likely to wear through it with your teeth.
The only danger with multi-layer construction is that your mouthguard may become too thick or bulky, which can impede talking, breathing, drinking, and general comfort.
On that note, the inclusion of breathing channels or perforations in a mouthguard is also desirable because it makes the guard easier to breathe, drink, and talk around without needing to remove it.
If you really want to go the extra mile in terms of protection, we would also recommend investing in a mouthguard that includes a front bumper. These bumpers provide an extra protective barrier for your front teeth, which are the most openly exposed to impact during a fight.
Protective Technology
Manufacturers of high-quality mouthguards for Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts and combat sports often incorporate protective technology into their mouthguard designs for superior protection.
A very popular mouthguard technology is shock-distribution technology, which may be patented under different names for different manufacturers.
Shock-distribution technology essentially distributes impact shock evenly across the mouth to avoid one specific area taking all the impact and being damaged as a result.
This shock protection technology will usually be incorporated into the main rubber frame of the mouthguard, where most of the protective construction is focused, so be sure to pay attention to this feature if you want to have the safest possible experience with BJJ.
Comfort and Ergonomics
A mouthguard for BJJ needs to be comfortable to wear and ergonomically designed so that you aren’t distracted from your fight by discomfort or restriction.
We already touched on this feature in our construction section, but perforated designs as well as those that include breathing channels make mouthguards more ergonomic because it’s much easier to breathe, drink, and talk with them in.
A gel frame layer will also be softer than the main frame’s tougher rubber material, making the mouthguard sit more comfortably in your mouth without rubbing too much against your teeth or gums.
Please note that not all mouthguards are compatible with braces, so if you have had orthodontic work done, you should always check that your desired mouthguard is suitable for use with braces.
Molding
There are several different methods of fitting or molding a mouthguard. The most common method, however, and the one used by all the manufacturers whose products we’ve reviewed, is the boil-and-bite method.
The boil-and-bite molding method for mouthguards is the easiest and most effective way of ensuring that your mouthguard fits perfectly to the contours of your teeth. This enables an ideal and comfortable fit and allows the mouthguard to do its protective job properly.
Specific instructions may vary between products, but generally speaking, boil-and-bite mouthguard molding will involve softening the mouthguard in boiling water and allowing it to cool sufficiently before placing the guard in your mouth and biting down for a certain amount of time. This will allow the softened mouthguard to conform to your specific dental structure.
Additional Features
Additional features included with BJJ mouthguards can be almost as important as the construction of the mouthguard itself when it comes to ensuring security and hygiene.
The most commonly included additional mouthguard feature is a protective case. A case will help you to keep your mouthguard as good as new for longer by reducing the likelihood of scratching or deformation between uses.
Ideally, this case should be completely sterile on arrival (and kept that way through regular cleaning) so that you never risk introducing harmful bacteria into your mouth when you put your mouthguard on.
Another useful additional feature in BJJ mouthguards is a strap. Not everyone will want or need a strap for their mouthguard, but this feature can be useful for those fighters who prefer to wear a head guard.
The strap fastens the mouthguard to the head guard, keeping it secure and stable during intense activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between BJJ mouthguards and other mouthguards?
The short answer to this question is no, not really. High-quality mouthguards designed for any sport with the potential for injury are likely to be suitable for use in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
When you think about it, a mouthguard constructed to protect your teeth from an incoming hockey puck will definitely hold up against a punch or an accidental elbow to the face.
However, there are some features that make some mouthguards better suited to BJJ than others. For instance, because BJJ is a grappling martial art, you’ll want a mouthguard that won’t be easily knocked out of place during a fight.
A BJJ mouthguard will also need to be comfortable and well-fitting enough that it won’t distract you at a crucial moment.
One of the great things about how multipurpose these mouthguards are is that if you’re involved in multiple martial arts or contact sports, you can use the same mouthguard for each activity!
Do I have to wear a mouthguard for BJJ?
Many sports players and fighters alike are often initially resistant to the idea of wearing a mouthguard. This is because the cheaper models that are readily available to buy online or from sporting stores can often be uncomfortable, distracting, and generally a pain to wear.
Additionally, because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art primarily based around grappling rather than directing punches at your opponent’s face, many participants in this sport don’t feel that wearing a mouthguard is necessary.
The bottom line is that there is no enforceable requirement for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters to wear mouthguards at any level (although rules enforced by individual schools or fitness centers may vary, especially where young people are involved). This means that you can fight without a mouthguard in BJJ if you choose to.
However, we would strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard both in training and during fights. This is because one wrong move from either party, however unintentional, has the potential to cause serious injury.
Damages to teeth can be extremely painful and expensive to fix. A powerful impact to the jaw can also cause a wide range of painful injuries, including fractures, dislocation, and even long-term TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues post-healing. A mouthguard can help to absorb some of the shock from a punch and lessen the risk of serious injury.
No matter how unlikely it seems, all of these potential consequences of not wearing a mouthguard during BJJ suggest that the sensible course of action is to wear one.
The mouthguards we’ve reviewed in this article are all designed to maximize comfort and minimize restriction, so you really have nothing to lose by investing in a high-quality mouthguard for your protection.
