How to Fit a Mouth Guard

A mouth guard is worn mainly by athletes to protect their teeth from injury. Wear them whenever you are playing any sort of contact sport like football, boxing and hockey. Mouth guards are also worn for dental reasons like to prevent the grinding of teeth or for bleaching purposes. It's important your mouth guard fits properly to provide the best protection and fit possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Saucepan
  • Stove
  • Hot pad
  • 2 bowls
  • Stopwatch
  • Tongs
  • Cool water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a saucepan halfway with water and place it on a stove top. Boil the water.

    • 2

      Pour the boiling water into a bowl.

    • 3

      Submerge the mouth guard in hot water. Let it soak for at least one minute to soften the plastic. You can use a stopwatch if needed.

    • 4

      Fill a second bowl with cool water. Set it nearby.

    • 5

      Remove the mouth guard from the hot water using tongs and quickly dip it in cool water for five seconds.

    • 6

      Put the plastic piece in your mouth over your teeth, either upper or lower depending on what type of mouth guard you are fitting. Press down on the mouth guard so it is resting firmly against your teeth.

    • 7

      Close your mouth and suck air out of the mouth guard. This will help it form its proper shape. Do this for at least 30 seconds to a minute. During this time, the plastic will mold to your bite and adjust in size.

    • 8

      Remove the mouth guard and place it in the cold water for two minutes. This will help set the plastic. Remove it from the water and try it on for size. If it doesn't fit properly, repeat the steps.