Mouthguards

A mouthguard, or gum shield, is worn over your teeth for partner drills, sparring and bouts. The clearest difference between guards is how they are fitted. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and then moulded to your teeth by biting, following the maker's instructions. Self-fit systems are softened in hot water too, but come with the maker's own fitting tool, such as an impression tray. You bite into the tool to shape the guard.

Coverage is single-arch or double-arch (upper and lower teeth), but not every maker says which. Sizes are usually split by age. A brand may sell the same guard at several protection levels, with a thicker one it recommends for sports such as boxing.

If you wear braces, don't assume a guard is compatible. Some brands sell separate braces versions, and a standard guard may be stated not to work with braces. Look for an explicit statement from the maker.

For competition, England Boxing's rules make a gum shield mandatory for every boxer, in any colour (Rule 8.7.1).