My mouth guard makes me gag?

Question

I have to wear a mouth guard for my tournament on the weekend but it makes my eyes water and makes me want to vomit. It's a just a cheap one I picked up this afternoon from a martial art's supply store, but I followed the instructions to shape and mould it correctly. However, wearing it for more than a few seconds is revolting. What should I do?

EDIT: It was $12, if that counts as cheap. Cheapest one they had, anyway, and the clerk recommended it because I'm not really pro-status just yet. Should I actually go buy another one, or can I make this one better somehow?

Answer 1

A couple of things can cause the gag reflex and just as scal already mentioned clipping the backs of it a little can help alleviate this. You just have to not clip too much since you want it to protect those back teeth. If the mouth piece protrudes to far back it can cause the gag reflex. Some people also have a problem with the taste of something like that in their mouth so soaking it in a little mouthwash or periodically rinsing it off and then dropping a drop or two of mouth wash on it can help get rid of the foreign taste that sometimes people get which causes them to gag on them also when they put them into their mouths. I would try soaking it in a little mouthwash and then if it still makes you gag clip a little off the back ends.

Answer 2

Gag In Mouth

Answer 3

Find a better mouth guard if you can. I firmly believe that you should NEVER modify your mouth guard. I had the same problem, and I cut mine down. I was kicked when I was falling, and was hit in the area where the mouth guard was cut. When I woke up I found my jaw was broken in two places. I had to have my mouth wired shut, and the area where it was broken damaged nerves. I have problems to this day from that accident.

If you absolutely must cut it back, do no more that a quarter inch at a time, and be positive that your teeth are protected. It may also help to try a dentist ot orthodontist if you can. Some insurance plans cover custom mouth guards if you need them.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

It can be one of many things that cause you to react to the mouth guard :

1) Lack of familiarity - the only way to resolve this is to wear it regularly when you train, practice, and may even when you're watching tv. Just to get you used to it.
2) Improper fit - many guards do have to be trimmed at the back depending upon your oral arch length. Everyone is defferent and although they make the guards in different sizes, the back of the guard can still promote gagging. Trimming the back of the guard can prevent this.
3) Gum depth can also cause some inconsistency in fit and retention. Sometimes you have to adjust the trim on the upper edge of the guard also.
4) Reaction to the taste or materials the guard is made of occur sometimes, but rarely.

Your instructor/s should be able to help you with this. If you don't have an instructor, or are planning on seriously competing, you may want to also consider checking with your own dentist. They can probably advise you best on what type of guard to get, how to trim it effectively, and of course, they can produce one specifically for you also.

Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 5

I have had similar problems with mouthguards cos I have a fairly small mouth. I eventually found one that is not too big and I dont gag anymore (I found it at a pharmacy). The suggestion about sipping water and keeping it rinsed off is good too. Never tried mouthwash so I cant comment on that. Ultimately though I believe if your competeing or sparring regularly it would be worth visiting a dentist and getting a properly fitted one that is made for your mouth. This offers the best protection and the best comfort. Be careful clipping the end of the one you have. I tried this but ended up with sharpish edges and a sore mouth

Answer 6

Go find a quality one like a shock doctor 2.0. Only 20 bucks or so, go check out a big sports store, or order it online from somewhere like ringside. Don't risk your teeth to save a few bucks. Plus a good mouth piece will actually help keep you from getting knocked out a bit as well.

Answer 7

I used to have the same problem so I added mint to the water when I boiled mine. The flavor from the mint got rid of the nasty synhtetic taste. Also, clipping it so the back of the guard doesnt go deep into your mouth can work too.

Answer 8

I have this allergy to some nasty rubber/plastic/synthethic materials too. So I fight without it, however I do not attend tournaments. Perhaps I will try what has been suggested by someone, boiling it with added mint or some other flavour.

Answer 9

mate u need 2 get rid of that dam mouth guard and buy 1 worth arpund 15 bucks

Answer 10

I used to do that too. After a while you just get used to it. Try practicing with it before the fight to get used to it. Also keep a bottle of water handy to keep it wet. I think that helps.