that I begin wearing a mouthguard.
Yesterday, I was rolling with a student, and he accidentally kneed me in the mouth. Normally, I just chalk this up to bjj training, and think nothing of it.
However, it hit in such a way, that if my tongue was sticking out, I would have definitely bit it right off.
Even now, my tongue has 2 nice puncture wounds from two of my teeth.
Guess it's time I invested in a mouth guard. I'm thinking about getting one of the custom fitted ones- heard they were quite comfortable.
I dont want anymore kids, so I'm still not wearing a cup.
I bit a huge chunk out of my tounge many years ago... I had a dent in it for 6mts.... but it all grew back.
Yeah get a gum shield.
i just cracked some dudes teeth with my big ugly head today. we both kind just looked at each other and said. 'we should be wearing mouthguards'
I won't roll without one !!
I always wear one, and the irony is I forgot one once, rolled with a big dude and took a knee to the mouth smashing out my 2 front teeth. I make sure to wear one now.
Gladiator mouthguards all the way. 
I always wondered if a mouthguard would stop the tongue from damage because it seems that the bottom teeth would just come up and use the mouthguard as a backstop. Better than nothing I suppose. I know I had to get in the habit of keeping my tongue in if I was breathing out of my mouth.
Anyone had any experience with the permanent retainer wires put in on the front teeth of the top and bottom row of teeth? I have these since I got braces as an adult and never got them off. It seems pretty effective in distributing the load across 4-6 teeth when I get bumped in the mouth. Wouldn't do jack to stop a tongue bite.
As for the cup...I wear one now after some close calls and very glad I made the switch. I've seen some bad ones and heard some stories. Needless to say, if you like having two balls you should wear one.
I had to get 15 stitches in my tongue from a spaz in class. Still don't wear a mouthpiece.
I've chipped 3 teeth in the past 3 months from rolling with new guys and stupid accidents. Need to. Start as well :( 
I just started wearing one last week after a visit to the dentist. They saw small chips and grinding wear and tear on my teeth and thought I was grinding my teeth while sleeping. Nope. I sleep like a baby. It's from BJJ.
I went with Python Guards. Probably the most affordable custom guard out there. I cant even tell Im wearing it. Its awesome!
In
Good idea. Dental work is so damn expensive even if you have insurance.
Oh yeah, got some crowns and root canals as well. It is only stupidity that keeps me from wearing one.
I could never wear one, just feels too uncomfortable. Same with a cup, been grappling for a long time and never took a big shot to the nuts.
Wow, those python guards are expensive.
Ozzimandias - I could never wear one, just feels too uncomfortable. Same with a cup, been grappling for a long time and never took a big shot to the nuts.
Have you worn a Gladiator before? I tried all kinds of boil & bites and they'd make me gag so I didn't wear them. I don't even notice the Gladiator until I have to talk to people after and have a nasty lisp.
Sub
The way I look at it... there are no mouth-guards on the street if you get into a fight, so don't get used to one when you train.
--It's a martial art, not flower arranging!
(Personally however, I DO wear a headgear/ear-guard combo with a full-coverage, plexiglass face shield, but that's COMPLETELY different).