Mouth guards are a cheap and effective way to protect your teeth and head from injury during many different types of activities. The American Dental Association supports the use of mouth guards for almost all team sports and recreational activities, especially soccer, skiing and bicycling. They help protect your mouth from broken teeth, facial fractures, face lacerations, and even more serious injuries, such as concussions and cerebral hemorrhages.
Customizing
Step 1
Purchase a mouth guard from a sporting goods retailer or from the sporting goods section of a department store. Many mouth guards come in different sizes, with some advertising a one-size-fits-all feature. The one-size-fits-all might be the best approach, unless you are sure of the specific size that you need for your mouth.
Step 2
Take the mouth guard out of the package and place it into boiling water. Almost all mouth guards have customizing instructions on the back, so be sure to follow those guidelines for the boiling time. Boiling makes the plastic pliable, which will ensure that you get a customized fit.
Step 3
Bite down on the mouth guard exactly as you would wear it for whatever sport or activity you plan to use the mouth guard for. Let most of the water drip off the mouth guard before putting it in your mouth. It must be hot, however, so that the plastic is still pliable.
Step 4
Keep biting down on the mouth guard until it has fully cooled inside your mouth. This allows for a fit that is customized to your mouth. The mouth guard will retain the impression of your mouth as long as you have the mouth guard.
Step 5
Check that the mouth guard now covers the entire upper set of teeth. A properly fitting mouth guard should fit snuggly and stay firmly in place during use. Some dentists suggest a lower mouth guard for people with braces, dental appliances or a protruding lower jaw.
How To Use
Step 1
Place the mouth guard in your mouth.
Step 2
Position the mouth guard so that it fits onto your teeth.
Step 3
Keep the mouth guard on your teeth during use. If situated improperly in your mouth, it will not provide any protection.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your dentist before purchasing a mouth guard. They may recommend a professional custom-made mouth guard that you can only get from a dentist. Clean your mouth guard often because bacteria can build up in between uses. Use warm, soapy water. Avoid using hot water because you do not want to risk getting the mouth guard too hot. If the plastic melts even a little, it will cause the mouth guard not to fit properly. Be sure to look for mouthguards that offer a warranty, sometimes up to $30,000, covering dental injuries.
- Avoid chewing on your mouth guard. You can alter the shape and cause it to not fit as snuggly as it should.
Things You'll Need
- Mouth guard
- Boiling water
