Boxing Gum Shields & Mouth Guards
Boxing gum shields are the cheapest piece of protection you will buy and the one you can least afford to skip. Every sparring session and amateur bout requires one, and fit is the difference between a guard you keep in and one you spit out between rounds. We stock 68 mouth guards from Opro, SafeJawz, Ampro and our own Boxfit club range, in junior and senior sizes, with prices from £2.99 for a basic club gum shield.
Which boxing gum shields should you buy?
There are three levels. A basic boil-and-bite gum shield is fine for a beginner's first weeks and for clubs buying in bulk. A self-fit guard from the Opro Gen4 or SafeJawz Intro and Extro series uses a moulding system that gives a much closer fit to your teeth, stays put while you breathe hard and is what most regular sparrers wear. At the top, Opro's instant custom-fit range gets you close to a dentist-made guard at home. If you have a fixed brace, do not force a standard guard over it: use a dedicated model from our gum shields for braces range, which is shaped to sit over the brackets without pulling them.
Sizing and fitting
Most gum shields come in junior (age 10 and under) and senior (age 11 and over) sizes, so check the age band rather than guessing. To fit a boil-and-bite guard, soften it in hot water for the time stated on the pack, place it over your upper teeth, bite down firmly and suck the air out so it moulds to the gum line, then cool it in cold water. We also carry kids boxing mouth guards in smaller shells and double mouth guards that cover both upper and lower teeth for combat sports that allow them.
Competition rules and colours
England Boxing amateur bouts require a gum shield, and red or partially red guards are not permitted because they hide signs of bleeding. Pick clear, white or black if you compete. SafeJawz's Marvel and Fangz designs are popular with juniors for training. Whatever you choose, pair it with a decent boxing head guard for sparring: a gum shield protects teeth and reduces cuts to the lips, a head guard protects the face.
Looking after your mouth guard
Rinse it after every session, let it dry and store it in a ventilated case. We stock anti-microbial mouth guard cases and SafeJawz disinfectant spray to keep it hygienic. Replace a guard once it is bitten through or loose, or when a junior's adult teeth change the fit. Browse the wider mouth protection range for cases, sprays and flavoured guards.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a gum shield for boxing?
Yes. Any sparring, pad work with head contact or competitive bout should be done with a gum shield in. It cushions the teeth, reduces cuts to the lips and cheeks and is compulsory in amateur boxing competition. Most gyms will not let you spar without one.
What is the difference between a mouthguard and a gum shield?
Nothing. Gum shield is the usual British term and mouthguard is the international one; brands such as Opro and SafeJawz use both on the same product. Whichever name you search for, you are buying the same piece of kit.
Can I wear a gum shield with braces?
Yes, but use one designed for braces. Opro's Instant Custom-Fit Braces mouthguard and similar models are shaped to fit over brackets and can be refitted as teeth move. A standard boil-and-bite guard moulded over a brace can lock onto it and damage the wire.
