BJJ has no strikes, so do you really need a mouthguard? Most experienced grapplers would say yes. Here's why, and how to choose one you'll actually wear.
Why wear one?
Nobody's trying to hit you, but accidents happen: a knee comes through in a guard pass, two heads meet in a scramble, a forearm lands across your jaw. A mouthguard protects your teeth and stops you biting your lip or tongue. It costs much less than fixing a chipped tooth.
Most gyms don't require one for adults, but many recommend it, especially for sparring.
The types
Boil-and-bite
The classic. You soften it in hot water, then bite into it to mould it to your teeth. Cheap and protective, but often bulky. The Venum Challenger is a value pick reviewers like.
Thin remouldable guards
Thinner guards that are still moulded to your teeth. The SISU Max 2.4mm is the one reviewers rate highest for grappling: you can talk and breathe normally, and it can be remoulded up to 20 times.
Custom-fit from a dentist
The best fit you can get, made from a mould of your teeth. It costs the most, but if you train often it's worth asking your dentist.
The breathing problem
The main reason people stop wearing a mouthguard is that it makes breathing hard mid-roll. That's a bigger deal in grappling than in many sports, because you spend long stretches breathing hard under pressure. A thinner guard solves most of it.
How to fit a boil-and-bite
Follow the instructions in the box, since every brand differs, but the basics are:
- Heat it in hot water for the time the instructions give.
- Let it cool for a few seconds so it won't burn.
- Bite down and suck the air out, pressing it against your teeth with your tongue and fingers.
- Cool it in cold water to set.
If you don't get it right, a remouldable guard lets you try again.
For kids
The standard Shock Doctor Gel Max comes in Youth for ages 10 and under and Adult for ages 11 and over, according to Shock Doctor's size and fitting guide.
Gel Max is not compatible with braces. Ask your child's dentist or orthodontist about an alternative if they wear braces. Age is a starting point: the guard must fit securely. Follow the instructions for the exact product and supervise moulding with hot water.
The standard model is not necessarily flavoured. Flavour Fusion and Gel Max Power are different variants. Match the name and size before ordering.
FAQ
Do you need a mouthguard for BJJ?
It's not required at most gyms, but it's a good idea. Accidental knees and head clashes happen in scrambles, and a mouthguard protects your teeth and lips.
What is the best mouthguard for BJJ?
The SISU Max 2.4 mm is the guard reviewers rate highest for grappling: thin enough to talk and breathe through, and remouldable up to 20 times.
Can you breathe with a mouthguard in BJJ?
With a thin guard, yes. Bulky boil-and-bite guards make breathing harder, which is why many grapplers prefer a thinner one.
Updated on 28 October 2026. Source links accompany the revised buying guidance.
