HXC Technology: Raising the Standard for Mouthguards in Combat Sports-By Founder and CEO of Damage Control Mouthguards

When it comes to protecting your teeth in combat sports, most companies focus on one — maybe two — aspects: protection or comfort, sometimes style. But at Damage Control, we believe elite athletes deserve all three. That’s why we created HXC Technology — the result of years of R&D, real fighter feedback, and scientific data.

Our mission is simple:
Protection. Comfort. Aesthetics.
No compromises. No shortcuts.

Grounded in Research: The 1994 Pfalzgrafenweiler Study

In 1994, researchers Kopp HP, Heuchart W, Kirshmann W, and Julian Hodges, BA, DMS, published a landmark study on mouthguard performance in Mouthguard Mastery. Submitted to the National Health and Medical Research Council, the study tested dozens of mouthguards for impact resistance and energy distribution.

Key Findings:

• Boil-and-bite mouthguards (store-bought) were the least protective.
• Custom laminated mouthguards (2 x 2mm EVA) were 30–40% more effective than single 4mm foils.
• The top-performing guard was a Mouthguard which featured a hard internal layer — delivering:
  • 84% energy distribution
  • 1040 Nmm bend resistance
  • 520% protection compared to single-layer guards

This design became the inspiration for our elite-level HXC Technology.

The Most Vulnerable Teeth in Sports? The Top Four Front Teeth

According to both clinical studies and sports dentistry organizations, the teeth most at risk during contact sports are the four upper front teeth — the maxillary central and lateral incisors.

Research shows that up to 90% of dental injuries

That’s why HXC Technology is specifically designed to reinforce the strike zone — the upper anterior area — with a hard internal layer that disperses impact before it reaches the teeth.

Sources: PMCID: PMC4482297, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego

What Is HXC?

HXC is short for "hardcore" — a term rooted in the aggressive, no-compromise attitude of the hardcore music scene. But for us, it also stands for something else: the hard inner core of our most protective mouthguard design.

Inspired by from the 1994 Pfalzgrafenweiler study, HXC Technology features a rigid internal layer engineered to disperse impact and maximize protection. It's our toughest, most advanced mouthguard — built for serious athletes who go all in.

Fighter-Tested, Fighter-Approved

We worked closely with UFC veteran Cub Swanson, one of the most respected names in MMA, to refine the feel, breathability, and bite profile of our HXC mouthguards. His feedback — gathered through real-time training and fight use — helped shape the final design into one that balances elite-level protection with athlete-grade comfort.

HXC vs. Typical MMA Mouthguards

Most MMA mouthguards on the market are 4mm thick, including custom-laminated styles using layered EVA. While better than store-bought guards, they lack the structural rigidity of HXC’s engineered hard core layer.

Here’s how they compare:

This means HXC is over 130% more protective than the typical 4mm MMA mouthguard.

Built on Three Core Principles

Most brands focus on one or two pillars. At Damage Control, we demand all three:

Protection

Reinforced with HXC hard-layer core — lab-tested to match the benchmark from the 1994 study.

Comfort

Optimized over years with input from top fighters like Cub Swanson. Flexible outer abd inner zones, breathability, and a secure custom fit.

Aesthetics

Custom graphics, fonts, country flags, and color options — your mouthguard should be an extension of your personality.

Why HXC Matters in Striking Sports

In striking sports like MMA, Muay Thai, and boxing, your face is the target. That means:

• Direct jaw impact
• Rotational trauma
• Repetitive force during training and competition

A mouthguard isn’t just protective gear — it’s your first line of defense. But even the best guard won’t protect you if you don’t wear it consistently. That’s why comfort and confidence are non-negotiable.

HXC delivers both.

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we’re proud to offer an extensive selection of high-performance mouthguards tailored to every athlete’s needs. If you’re interested in learning more about our HXC technology, or other protective gear, feel free to contact us — we're here to help you play better and protect smarter

References

• Hodges, Julian. Mouthguard Mastery: The Complete Guide to Building Comfortable, High Protection Mouthguards for Any Sport. 2008.
• Submission to the National Health and Medical Research Council Committee on Football Injuries of the Head and Neck. August 1994. Pfalzgrafenweiler, Germany.
• PMCID: PMC4482297 – Dental Trauma in Sports Medicine
• Rady Children’s Hospital – Protecting Youth Athletes from Dental Injuries

Ready to experience the difference?

Shop the full HXC line here