Are you shopping for an affordable mouth-guard for your next jiu-jitsu class? Proper protective equipment is important for longevity in any sport. Here we will take a look at some of the best inexpensive mouth-guards for all combat sports.
Should I Wear a Mouthguard for BJJ?
Not everyone wears a mouthguard in jiu-jitsu and depending on who you ask, you may get different answers. Some people only wear when rolling or sparring, whereas will only wear during competitions. Some people also prefer to wear it during drilling “just in case.”
We definitely do recommend that you wear a mouthguard for BJJ. Even with experienced training partners it’s not uncommon to get an accidental knee or elbow to the jaw. Even though mouthguards may be uncomfortable, it could save you thousands in dentist costs. It’s also better to avoid taking any potential concussion damage.
Pros of Using a Mouthguard in Jiu-Jitsu:
- Protects your Teeth
- Protects from Concussions
- Protects from Tongue Biting
Cons of Using a Mouthguard in Jiu-Jitsu
- May be Uncomfortable
- Could Make Breathing Harder, Especially When you Breathe Through Your Mouth
Different Types of Mouthguards
Traditionally there are two different types of mouthguards you will come across when shopping for an inexpensive bjj mouthguard: Custom Fit Mouthguards, and Bowl and Bite Mouthguards
What is a Custom Fit Mouthguard?
A custom fit mouthguard is a professionally fit mouthguard that is created specifically for you by a dental professional. These types of mouthguard are more costly but also provide better protection, because they are designed specifically to the mouth of the individual.
What is a Boil and Bite Mouthguard?
A boil and bite mouthguard is a mouthguard purchased over the counter and fitted by first boiling the mouthguard and then biting into it in order to shape it for the athletes mouth. These are a lot less expensive than custom fit mouthguards, and you are a lot more likely to see them on the Jiu-Jitsu mat.
Which Style of Mouthguard is Right for Me?
Ultimately it’s up to you! Do you want to spend more money for a better fitted mouthguard? Personally I’ve only ever used boil and bite mouthguards, and they have been fine throughout my own striking and grappling training. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, you will likely be shopping for a boil and bite style mouthguard.
Now that we’ve gotten the background information out the way, let’s get into the list of the top five best cheap mouthguards for BJJ:
Cheapest Mouthguards for Jiu-Jitsu
- Venum “Challenger” Mouthguard, Red Devil
- SISU Mouth Guards Aero 1.6mm Custom Fit Sports Mouthguard for Youth/Adults
- Nxtrnd Rush Sports Mouth Guard – 2 Pack Mouthguard
- Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouth Guard, Black, Adult
- SISU Mouth Guards Max 2.4mm Custom Fit Sports Mouthguard for Youth/Adults
1. Venum “Challenger” Mouthguard, Red Devil
Product Features
Brand Name: Venum
Composition: High Density Rubber Frame
Colors: Fourteen Color Options
Topping our list is the Venum Challenger Mouth Guard. Venum is very established brand in the world of combat sports. They’re known for creating high quality durable gear that can withstand the punishment a combat athlete will inflict upon it.
There mouth-guards live up to this standard. There challenger series mouthguards are boil and bite mouth-guards designed striking, and grappling. Not only is this one of the most affordable BJJ mouthguards you will find, it, but it also is extremely well cushioned to give you great protection during your hard rolling sessions. These are designed to allow for optimum breathing, which is great for when you’re really sucking air.
The pros of Venum Challenger Mouth Guard are:
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Cushioned for maximum protection and comfort
- Designed for optimum breathing
- Fourteen color options
The cons of Venum Challenger Mouth Guard are:
Cons
- This is somewhat of a thicker mouth guard, which is good if you want protection, but some prefer a thinner style of mouth guard
2. SISU Mouth Guards Aero 1.6mm Custom Fit Sports Mouthguard for Youth/Adults
Product Features
Brand Name: SISU
Composition: Thermoplastic
Colors: Fourteen Color Options
The next spot on our list goes to the SISU Aero Mouthguards. If you’ve never heard of SISU they are a brand known for their thin mouthguards. Many people have problems breathing with thick mouthguards, which is why SISU created an ultra compact mouthguard designed to give you all of the protection without the bulky feel of a traditional style guard. Their mouthguards are 1.6mm thick, boasting a 50% reduction in size than traditional mouthguards.
They have two options to choose from, their new “Nextgen” series, which offers a wider bite, or their original. Fourteen color options and great value, this is a great choice for not only BJJ, but really any sport.
The pros of SISU Aero Mouthguards are:
Pros
- Great value
- 50% thinner than traditional mouthguards
- Designed for comfort and breathing
- Fourteen color options
- Wide bite “nextgen” option or original
The cons of SISU Aero Mouthguards are:
Cons
- These are designed to be ultra thin mouth-guards. Some may feel exposed and prefer a more thick mouth guard
3. Nxtrnd Rush Sports Mouth Guard – 2 Pack Mouthguard
Product Features
Brand Name: Nxtrnd
Composition: Thermoplastic
Colors: Black and White
Coming in at number three is the Nxtrnd Rush Sports Mouth Guard. This is another solidly designed mouthpiece made with a durable outer shell to absorb impact during your hard training sessions. It’s designed to allow oxygen flow by making it easier to breathe. This is a great all around mouth guard for any high impact sport, and especially good for MMA, combat sports, and grappling.
The best thing about this mouthguard is the cost. It is a 2-pack at one low price. Eventually you will need to replace your mouth guard, which is why this set is so convenient. If you’re looking for a great value on BJJ mouthguards, this is a pretty great selection.
The pros of Nxtrnd Rush Sports Mouth Guard are:
Pros
- Affordable 2-pack
- Durable outer shell to absorb impact
- Designed for oxygen flow
The cons of Nxtrnd Rush Sports Mouth Guard are:
Cons
- There is only the 1 option of 1 black, and 1 white mouth guard. If you are picky on color you may prefer to go with another choice
4. Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouth Guard, Black, Adult
Product Features
Brand Name: Shock Doctor
Composition: Heavy Duty Silicone
Colors: Sixteen Color Options
The next affordable mouth-guard option to consider when shopping online for mouth-guards is the Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouth Guard. This mouth guard is made with a triple layer design for maximum protection, and also has breathing channels to allow for easier air flow.
The really great thing about this mouth guard is all of the different options they have. You can choose from sixteen colors, which is great if you’re looking for something specific. They also have kids sizes, adult sizes, and flavored and unflavored mouthpieces.
The pros of Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouth Guard are:
Pros
- Triple layer design
- Breathing channels
- Sixteen color options
- Kids sizes and Adult sizes
- Flavored and unflavored options
The cons of Shock Doctor Gel Max Convertible Mouth Guard are:
Cons
- This is one is a little bit thicker compared to something like a SISU brand mouthpiece. But it does have the breathing channels, so breathing shouldn’t be a problem
5. SISU Mouth Guards Max 2.4mm Custom Fit Sports Mouthguard for Youth/Adults
Product Features
Brand Name: SISU
Composition: Thermoplastic
Colors: Six Color Options
Last but not least is another SISU brand mouthpiece, the SISU MAX 2.4mm Mouth Guard. We really do live SISU and there mouthguards, which is why we had to pick this one for the final spot on the list.
This one has all the durability and protection you would expect from a SISU mouthpiece, but is slightly thicker than their 1.6mm option. It is still roughly 30% thinner than other conventional mouthguards you will find. This one is for you if you like a thinner mouthpiece, but don’t want something as thin as the 1.6mm. The only drawback is that this one is a little more expensive than other options on this list, but you should be taking your protective equipment seriously anyways. You can’t skimp out on quality when it comes to mouthpieces.
The pros of SISU Aero Mouthguards are:
Pros
- Thicker than the SISU 1.6mm
- Still 30% thinner than conventional mouthpieces
- Designed for comfort and breathing
- Wide bite “nextgen” option or original
The cons of SISU Aero Mouthguards are:
Cons
- This one is a little more expensive than other options on this list, but it’s still a great mouthguard that you should really consider
That completes our list. Mouth guards are important for grappling and every other combat sport like jiu-jitsu, so we hope you take your protection seriously and find this list valuable! All of the mouth guards on this list can be used for jiu-jitsu, wrestling, judo, muay thai, boxing, kickboxing, MMA and more.
