Yoshiyahu
Master Black Belt
Which is better the Double Mouth Guard? (Top and Bottom protected)
Or the Single Mouthpiece for top teeth only?
Or the Single Mouthpiece for top teeth only?
Double Mouthguard or Single Mouthpiece
- Thread starter Yoshiyahu
- Start date
I have always used just the single upper. It seemed that the people that had the double upper and lower had a hard time breathing when they got winded, and their mouth would open. IMO
Gordon Nore
Senior Master
There has been a great deal of discussion on whether a good mouthpiece can reduce the risk of concussion. The theory goes that upper-and-lower protection, which is what I have used, is better for this purpose. The jury still seems to be out on that one, but better fit does seem to equate to better protection of the oral cavity and teeth.
http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/publications/newsletter/Fall04/www.res.Fall/inside/mouthguards.htm
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=162236
http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/137/12/1712
For the last several years I've used the Wipss Jaw-Joint Protector (upper and lower). A newer version is displayed here... http://www.awma.com/index.cfm/action/productdetail/product_ID/10485.htm ... mine was about $50 online. I couldn't find the manufacturer's site.
In the absence of any dental knowledge, I can say that it fits better for me than an inexpensive boil and bite. The outer housing of my mouthpiece doesn't melt in hot water; although it is actually flexible. The inside, where I bite down, is standard boil and bite, but everything feels nice and snug.
With the inexpensive upper protection, I felt like I was biting more consciously to keep the thing in place. I showed my upper-lower to my dentist, and he thought it was satisfactory.
Empty Hands
Senior Master
I would definitely say the double guard. It requires you to keep your jaw shut to keep the guard in place, and thus promotes keeping your jaw in the protected position. With a single, you can unconsciously let your jaw hang loose, and if you don't see the strike that hits you, you can still smash your teeth pretty hard and your jaw itself will have no protection. For breathing concerns, I use a double with the hole in the middle, and haven't had any problems even with a very heavy workout. Don't all doubles come with a breathing hole? Seems like they should.
Gordon Nore
Senior Master
I don't know the science of it, but the rig I have now feels really together. I got the breathing ok. Funny thing is, my kiai is more of a growl when I wear it.
Fiendlover
Black Belt
Yea its about $13.00 now for the Wipiss now!
Wipss® 'Brain Pad' Jaw-Joint Protector - Clear & Clear
ORDERING INFORMATION
Price: $12.95 Ea.
SKU #: 83978
I use brain-pads too and work fairly well. its easier to breathe for it has the slit in the middle and its supposed to not let you get concussions. I got the woman's version and its ice blue. lol :uhyeah: it works great.
Your Sifu is correct, all dedicated MA training should teach Structure, breath control, and proper movement. I personally use the single upper in training. Once the single mouth piece is fitted properly it will form around the top teeth, and with your jaw set, the lower teeth will fit behind the upper, and both are protected. This is really a personal choice, and not an issue as long as you keep your jaw set, and block properly.
Empty Hands
Senior Master
LOL. If you always blocked properly, then no mouthguard at all would be required!
The higher ranks are always required to set a good example for those that are following.
Old Chinese proverb He who covers teeth today, will have those teeth while on his way :asian:
