When it comes to protecting your mouth, jaw, and enhancing performance, choosing between a mouthguard and a performance mouthpiece is crucial. While both offer benefits, they serve very different purposes based on the type of activity you engage in.
If you're a heavy lifter, HIIT enthusiast, combat athlete, or a fitness lover, understanding the difference can help maximize your strength, endurance, and protection.
In this guide, we'll break down:
✅ The key differences between mouthguards and performance mouthpieces
✅ How mouthpieces can enhance strength and endurance
✅ The best New Age Performance models for different sports and training styles
Let’s dive in!
1. What’s the Difference Between a Mouthguard and a Performance Mouthpiece?
🔹 What is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is primarily designed for protection. It helps absorb impact and prevent teeth injuries, jaw fractures, and concussions.
👊 Best for:
✔ Combat sports (MMA, boxing, Muay Thai, football, hockey, etc.)
✔ High-contact activities where jaw protection is essential
✔ Athletes who need to prevent dental injuries
🔹 What is a Performance Mouthpiece?
A performance mouthpiece is not just for protection—it is engineered to optimize jaw alignment, reduce clenching, and improve breathing, leading to increased strength, endurance, and stability.
🏋️ Best for:
✔ Weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding
✔ CrossFit and HIIT workouts
✔ Running, cycling, and endurance sports
✔ Any athlete looking to enhance overall performance
👉 Key takeaway: If you need impact protection, go for a mouthguard. If you want to improve strength, endurance, and stability, choose a performance mouthpiece.
2. How Performance Mouthpieces Enhance Strength and Endurance
You might be wondering: How can a mouthpiece make me stronger?
🔸 The Science of Jaw Alignment and Athletic Performance
Your jaw position directly impacts muscle activation, spinal alignment, and breathing efficiency. When your bite is misaligned, it can lead to:
❌ Increased jaw clenching and muscle tension
❌ Reduced oxygen flow due to airway restriction
❌ Weak neuromuscular connection, decreasing stability
A properly fitted performance mouthpiece like those from New Age Performance helps:
✅ Align the jaw for optimal muscle activation
✅ Reduce teeth grinding, allowing muscles to relax
✅ Improve airflow, enhancing endurance
✅ Increase core stability, boosting strength
💡 Studies show that athletes using performance mouthpieces experience 5-20% increases in strength and endurance compared to those who don’t.
3. Which New Age Performance Mouthpiece or Mouthguard is Right for You?
New Age Performance offers both mouthguards (for protection) and performance mouthpieces (for strength and endurance). Here’s how to choose the best one for your sport:
🔹 6DS Heavy Lifting Mouthpiece – 💪 Best for Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Strongman
- Designed for maximal strength gains
- Provides jaw stabilization, allowing lifters to push heavier loads
- Ideal for squat, deadlift, bench press, and Olympic lifts
- Helps reduce neck and lower back strain
🔥 Perfect for:
✔ Powerlifters, bodybuilders, strongman athletes
✔ Athletes lifting heavy weights and focusing on max strength
🔹 6DS Low Profile HIIT Mouthpiece – 🏋️♀️ Best for CrossFit, High-Intensity Training, Running
- Lightweight low-profile design for breathability
- Enhances oxygen intake, perfect for HIIT workouts and endurance training
- Reduces jaw clenching, helping sustain energy levels
- Increases balance and coordination
🔥 Perfect for:
✔ CrossFit athletes
✔ HIIT training, running, cycling
✔ Functional fitness and circuit training
🔹 5DS Universal High Profile Mouthpiece – ⚡ Best for Versatile Strength Training and Gym Workouts
- High-profile design for strong jaw alignment support
- Improves stability, posture, and overall lifting strength
- Great all-around performance enhancer
🔥 Perfect for:
✔ Weightlifters, bodybuilders
✔ Athletes looking for versatility in strength training
✔ Those who want more jaw support
🔹 5DS Core Mid Profile Mouthpiece – 🏃 Best for Everyday Fitness & Agility Training
- Mid-profile design for balanced support and breathability
- Helps maintain endurance and agility
- Ideal for athletes who mix strength and cardio training
🔥 Perfect for:
✔ General fitness enthusiasts
✔ Athletes doing both lifting and cardio workouts
✔ HIIT, yoga, running, and functional training
🔹 5DS Low Profile Mouthguard – 🥊 Best for Combat Sports, Football, and Contact Sports
- Designed for protection, not performance enhancement
- Shock-absorbing material to prevent teeth and jaw injuries
- Low-profile fit for better breathing and comfort
🔥 Perfect for:
✔ MMA, boxing, Muay Thai
✔ Football, hockey, lacrosse
✔ Any high-impact sport
4. How to Choose the Right Mouthpiece or Mouthguard for Your Needs
| Activity | Recommended Product | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 🏋️♂️ Heavy Lifting (Powerlifting, Bodybuilding) | 6DS Heavy Lifting Mouthpiece | Maximum jaw stability for max strength |
| 🏃 HIIT, CrossFit, Running | 6DS Low Profile HIIT Mouthpiece | Enhanced oxygen intake for endurance |
| 🏋️ Gym Workouts & General Strength Training | 5DS Universal High Profile | Versatile for all types of workouts |
| 🏃 Everyday Fitness & Agility | 5DS Core Mid Profile | Balanced support for endurance and strength |
| 🥊 Combat Sports, Football, Hockey | 5DS Low Profile Mouthguard | Protection from impact and injury |
5. FAQs About Mouthguards and Performance Mouthpieces
Q: Can I use a mouthguard instead of a performance mouthpiece for lifting?
A: No. Mouthguards are made for protection, not performance enhancement. A performance mouthpiece aligns the jaw for better strength and stability.
Q: Can I wear a performance mouthpiece for combat sports?
A: No. Combat sports require impact protection, which only a mouthguard can provide.
Q: How do I clean my mouthpiece or mouthguard?
A: Rinse after each use, soak in mouthguard cleaner or mouthwash, and store in a ventilated case.
Q: How long do New Age Performance mouthpieces last?
A: Typically 3–6 months, depending on frequency of use.
Conclusion: Get the Right Mouthpiece for Maximum Performance!
Choosing between a mouthguard and a performance mouthpiece depends on your sport and goals.
✅ For strength, endurance, and jaw alignment: Choose a New Age Performance Mouthpiece
✅ For combat sports and impact protection: Choose a New Age Performance Mouthguard
🚀 Ready to take your training to the next level? Browse our 6DS and 5DS models and find the perfect fit for your sport and goals!
👉 Shop Now and Elevate Your Performance!