Short answer. England Boxing makes a gum shield mandatory for all boxers (any colour; rule 8.7), and IFMA requires a form-fitted gum shield that is not red or pink (rule 15.5). Most gyms ask for one in sparring. Start with a boil-and-bite guard: single-layer covers the upper teeth, dual-arch covers upper and lower. Blitz has Double and Single Layer models in the UK; Revgear and Fightdentist cover adults, juniors (Revgear ages 7–12) and printed options in the US.
Do you need one?
For competition, usually yes. England Boxing makes a gum shield mandatory for all boxers; any colour is allowed, and there are fixed caution/warning/disqualification steps if it falls out or is spat out (England Boxing rule 8.7). In amateur Muay Thai under IFMA rules, every athlete must wear a form-fitted gum shield before the round starts; it must not be red or pink, and intentionally removing it can lead to a caution, warning or disqualification (IFMA rule 15.5). WAKO kickboxing makes tooth protection mandatory in every fighting discipline and age category (WAKO Equipment Book, Article 2.3.1.3). In WKF karate kumite a gum shield is compulsory for everyone (karate sparring gear).
For classes and sparring, follow your gym: almost every club asks for a mouthguard once you start sparring. It sits in the buying order of the Muay Thai starter kit and the boxing starter kit.
Single vs double, boil-and-bite vs custom
- Single-layer (upper only). A conventional boil-and-bite guard that covers the upper teeth. Blitz's Single Layer and Revgear's Adult Single are this style (Blitz, Revgear). WAKO allows protection on only the upper teeth or on both arches (WAKO Equipment Book, Article 2.3.1.3).
- Double / dual-arch. Covers upper and lower teeth in one piece. Blitz's Double Layer and Revgear's Adult Double are built this way (Blitz, Revgear).
- Boil-and-bite. Thermoplastic you soften in hot water and bite into at home. This is the usual beginner route on Blitz, Revgear and Fightdentist pages (Blitz, Revgear).
- Custom dentist guard. Made from a dental impression. It usually fits best, but most people start with a moulded boil-and-bite and only move to a custom guard later.
- Junior vs adult. Blitz's Single Layer is sold in Junior and Senior sizes; Revgear's Junior Mouth Guard is titled for ages 7 to 12, and Fightdentist sells a junior gel guard (Blitz, Revgear). See kids.
How to boil-and-bite
Follow the instructions that come with the guard you buy. In outline, the makers describe the same idea: the thermoplastic softens in boiling water, you bite in so it moulds to your teeth and gums, then it sets as it cools (Blitz; Revgear). Revgear's Pro page summarises the usual sequence as boiling water, immersing the guard for the time the maker states, letting it cool slightly, biting down firmly, and allowing it to set completely before use (Revgear).
Do not invent a timing of your own if the packet gives one, and do not leave the guard in boiling water longer than the maker says. WAKO does not allow a mouthguard over braces or retainers unless a dentist's certificate allows it; if braces are on the lower teeth or on both arches, WAKO requires a guard that covers both upper and lower teeth (WAKO Equipment Book, Article 2.3.1.3).
Kids and juniors
Blitz's Single Layer Mouth Guard is sold in Junior and Senior sizes with a matching case (Blitz). Revgear's Junior Mouth Guard is a boil-and-bite guard titled for ages 7 to 12, and Fightdentist's junior gel guard is the dental-brand option on the same store (Revgear). England Boxing makes a gum shield mandatory for every boxer, including children in the Minors category onwards (England Boxing rule 8.7; see also kids' boxing gloves).
UK picks: Blitz
Blitz is a UK store and one of our partner stores. It currently lists only two mouthguard models in its feed, so the UK block is thin: both are boil-and-bite thermoplastic guards with a storage case (Blitz). Stock and colours vary.
Blitz Double Layer Mouth Guard
A dual-arch guard that Blitz describes as double protection for upper and lower teeth, with a storage case.
- Double protection to both upper and lower teeth (Blitz)
- Thermoplastic: moulds when submerged in boiling water (Blitz)
- EVA plastic, latex-free; complete with storage case; colours include Black, Blue and Red (Blitz)
Blitz Single Layer Mouth Guard
A conventional single-layer boil-and-bite gum shield, sold in Junior and Senior sizes with a matching case.
- Conventional mouth guard; moulds when submerged in boiling water (Blitz)
- Junior and Senior sizes; variety of colours; comes with a matching case (Blitz)
US picks: Revgear
Revgear, a US store and one of our partner stores, sells its own boil-and-bite guards plus the Fightdentist dental-brand line. The picks below are representative, not every print on the shelf.
Revgear Adult Double Mouth Guard
An entry-level dual-arch guard for upper and lower teeth, jaw and gums (Revgear).
- Dual-arch protection for entry-level martial artists and combat sports (Revgear)
- Boil-and-bite style; colours include Black and Clear when in stock (Revgear)
Revgear Adult Single Mouth Guard
A single-arch boil-and-bite guard that Revgear pitches at intermediate combat sports athletes who want a moulded fit.
- Boil-and-bite mould to the individual dental structure (Revgear)
- Several colourways when in stock (Revgear)
Revgear Pro Mouth Guard and Case
An adult boil-and-bite guard sold with a ventilated case for drying between sessions (Revgear).
- Boil-and-bite custom fit for adult combat sports (Revgear)
- Includes a ventilated carry case; BPA-free material (Revgear)
Fightdentist Boil & Bite Muay Thai Mouth Guard (Black)
A dentist-designed boil-and-bite guard on Revgear, in a plain black Muay Thai listing.
- Boil-and-bite fit; listed for Muay Thai and martial arts (Revgear / Fightdentist)
- Dental-brand line sold through Revgear
Fightdentist Boil & Bite Adult Mouth Guard
The plain adult Fightdentist boil-and-bite guard Revgear lists for Krav Maga and other martial arts.
- Designed by dental professionals for a custom-like boil-and-bite fit (Revgear / Fightdentist)
- Adult size; listed for boxing and martial arts (Revgear)
Fightdentist Stars & Stripes Mouth Guard
One of Fightdentist's printed adult guards (other flags and graphics are also on Revgear).
- Boil-and-bite adult guard with a Stars & Stripes print (Revgear / Fightdentist)
- Same dental-brand line as the plain black models (Revgear)
Revgear Junior Mouth Guard
Revgear's own junior boil-and-bite guard, titled for ages 7 to 12.
- Boil-and-bite fit for juniors aged 7 to 12 (Revgear)
- Several colourways when in stock (Revgear)
Fightdentist Junior Boil & Bite Gel Mouth Guard
A junior gel boil-and-bite guard from the Fightdentist line on Revgear.
- Junior gel boil-and-bite design for boxing and martial arts (Revgear / Fightdentist)
- Colour options include Black, Neon Green and Pink when in stock (Revgear)
Fightdentist USA Combo 2-Pack with Case
Two Fightdentist mouthguards plus a carrying case, useful as a spare or for sharing colours.
- Two high-performance mouthguards with a carrying case (Revgear / Fightdentist)
- Includes a Stars & Stripes design option in the combo (Revgear)
Revgear Ventilated Mouth Guard Carry Case
A snap-close plastic case with ventilation, sold on its own if your guard did not come with one.
- Durable plastic shell with ventilation to reduce moisture in a gym bag (Revgear)
- Snap closure; for boxing, MMA, BJJ and other contact sports (Revgear)
On Amazon (US)
If you are in the US and want other brands, search by type (single, dual-arch, junior) and compare the listing with the maker's own page.
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Next
The rest of the sparring kit: headgear if your gym asks for it, a groin guard, shin guards for Muay Thai or kickboxing, MMA sparring gloves for open-finger work, and the Muay Thai and boxing starter kits for the full buying order. Children's glove sizes are in kids' boxing gloves.
FAQ
Do I need a mouthguard for boxing?
England Boxing makes a gum shield mandatory for all boxers in bouts; any colour is allowed (England Boxing rule 8.7). Most clubs also ask for one in sparring. A boil-and-bite guard is the usual starting point.
Do I need a mouthguard for Muay Thai?
Under IFMA competition rules, yes: every athlete wears a form-fitted gum shield before the round, and it must not be red or pink (IFMA rule 15.5). Gyms set their own rules for sparring, but almost all require one.
Single or double mouthguard?
A single-layer guard covers the upper teeth; a double or dual-arch guard covers upper and lower. WAKO allows either. Dual-arch options include Blitz's Double Layer and Revgear's Adult Double; single options include Blitz's Single Layer and Revgear's Adult Single.
How do you mould a boil-and-bite mouthguard?
Follow the maker's packet. In outline: soften the thermoplastic in boiling water for the time stated, let it cool slightly, bite in firmly so it moulds to your teeth and gums, then let it set before use (Blitz; Revgear).
What size mouthguard for a child?
Blitz's Single Layer comes in Junior and Senior sizes. Revgear's Junior Mouth Guard is titled for ages 7 to 12, and Fightdentist sells a junior gel guard. England Boxing still requires a gum shield for every boxer.
Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?
Under WAKO rules, not over braces or retainers unless a dentist's certificate allows it; if braces are on the lower teeth or both arches, the guard must cover upper and lower teeth (WAKO Equipment Book, Article 2.3.1.3). Ask your dentist before buying.
Boil-and-bite or custom dentist guard?
Most beginners start with a boil-and-bite guard moulded at home. A custom guard from a dentist usually fits best; move to one if the moulded guard will not stay put or your dentist recommends it.
Sources
- England Boxing, Technical and Competition Rules 2026 (8.7 Gum Shields)
- IFMA, Rules and Regulations for International Competition v3.057 (15.5 Gum Shield)
- WAKO, Equipment Book (Article 2.3.1.3 Teeth protection)
- WKF, Kumite Competition Rules 2026 (gum shield compulsory)
- Blitz, Double Layer Mouth Guard
- Blitz, Single Layer Mouth Guard
- Revgear, Adult Double Mouth Guard
- Revgear, Adult Single Mouth Guard
- Revgear, Pro Mouth Guard and Case
- Revgear, Junior Mouth Guard
- Revgear, Mouth Guard Carry Case
- Revgear, Fightdentist Boil & Bite Muay Thai Mouth Guard (Black)
- Revgear, Fightdentist Boil & Bite Adult Mouth Guard
- Revgear, Fightdentist Stars & Stripes Mouth Guard
- Revgear, Fightdentist Junior Boil & Bite Gel Mouth Guard
- Revgear, Fightdentist USA Combo 2-Pack with Case
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