Contact sport athletes deal with the constant risk of injury and must know how to fit a mouth guard. A mouth guard helps protect teeth when a strong blow hits your head. According to the California Dental Association, mouth guards are designed to help cushion the mouth, teeth and jaw to prevent significant damage related to sports injuries. Mouth guards can also help prevent damage to teeth due to sleep disorders, such as grinding of the teeth. A well-fitted mouth guard should stay in place without having to clench your teeth. Your ability to breathe and talk should not be a problem. A mouth guard can protect you from getting knocked out by keeping your jaw in place.
Step 1
Wash the mouth guard thoroughly with warm water and mild soap to remove any chemicals left by the manufacturing process.
Step 2
Boil a pot of water. Fill the pot all the way to the top. If it is a double-piece mouth guard, do not remove the plastic plug. For mouth guards that have a strap attached to a face mask, use the tongs to hold the strap out of the water.
Step 3
Place your mouth guard in the boiling water. Allow it to boil for exactly one minute. You will see the mouth guard become soft and more pliable.
Step 4
Remove your mouth guard gently with the tongs. Hold by the helmet strap or plastic plug if there is one. Make sure you don't pinch any sections of the mouth guard together as you remove it. Shake off the excess water.
Step 5
Place mouth guard in mouth, bite down and suck the air out of your mouth. Remove the plastic plug from double-piece mouth guards. Hold the mouth guard in place for 30 seconds. Do not chew, simply bite down and hold. You will feel the mouth guard cool down as it molds to the shape of your teeth.
Step 6
Rinse your mouth guard under cold water for 10 seconds. It is now ready for you to use.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are having trouble fitting a mouth guard yourself, consult your dentist for help.
Things You'll Need
- Pot
- Tongs
