Popular New Zealand outdoors, hunting, fishing, and general bloke content site Good Blokes NZ recently reviewed some Shockdoctor mouthguards. As Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, they needed a mouthguard to protect their teeth, gums, and jaw. They reviewed the Shockdoctor Nano-Double and the Shockdoctor Superfit Allsport, comparing the various features and benefits of each.

The protection provided isn’t just for those unplanned, teeth-jarring accidents you coincidentally stumble upon while on the field. A mouthguard can effectively buffer the impact of a blow, discouraging the possibility of broken teeth, cuts to the lip and tongue, and jaw fractures.

They found that: “While the Shockdoctor Nano-Double offers immense protection and comfort, it must include clear communication. After wearing it for a bit, I quickly realised how much I would generally communicate during a roll. Part of the fun is the interaction with your partner. That’s where Trash Talker stood out magnificently. Not only did it tick the boxes for comfort and protection, but it also scored high on enabling speech. And that’s why it is now my go-to choice. ”

Check out the full article on the Good Blokes NZ website.

1. Unforeseen Collisions

While basketball is not as physical as some other sports, it still involves a lot of running, jumping, and swift movements. In the heat of a game, it’s not uncommon for players to collide accidentally. Whether it’s during a scramble for the ball, a fast break, or even an attempted rebound, these unforeseen collisions can lead to facial injuries. A mouthguard can help cushion the impact and protect players from dental and orofacial injuries.

2. Protecting Against Elbows and Arms

Reaching for a rebound, setting screens, or defending can lead to players’ arms and elbows inadvertently hitting opponents in the mouth. These unintentional blows can result in chipped teeth, broken braces, or even more severe injuries to the mouth, jaw, or lips. Mouthguards act as a barrier between the teeth and the sharp edges of an elbow, reducing.

3. Guarding Against Jaw Injuries

Basketball players are at risk of jaw injuries, particularly when they fall or take a hard blow to the face. A properly fitted mouthguard can help stabilize the jaw and reduce the chances of dislocation or fractures during such incidents.

4. Enhancing Performance

Mouthguards do more than protect against injuries. They can also improve a player’s performance. Research suggests that wearing a mouthguard may reduce the production of cortisol, a stress hormone, leading to lower stress levels and improved focus. It can also help with breathing, potentially increasing endurance and overall athletic performance.

5. Ensuring Optimal Comfort

One common misconception is that mouthguards are uncomfortable and impede communication on the court. However, custom-fitted mouthguards offer a high level of comfort and do not significantly affect a player’s ability to communicate or breathe effectively.

6. Minimizing Dental Expenses

Dental injuries, such as chipped teeth or broken braces, can be costly to repair. By wearing a mouthguard, basketball players can minimize the risk of such injuries and avoid expensive dental procedures.

7. Compliance with Regulations

In many organized basketball leagues, mouthguards are mandatory, especially for younger players. Complying with these regulations ensures the safety of all participants and avoids penalties for players who fail to wear mouthguards during games.