Mouthguard Instructions

In contact sports such as football, hockey and boxing, it is important to protect the mouth from injury. One of the most trusted methods is to wear a mouthpiece. Preparing a mouthpiece and wearing it correctly is essential to protect your teeth and mouth from injury.

  1. Prepping the mouthgurd

    • Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat after it has reached boiling point. Put a small bowl of cold water next to the pot of boiling water. Put your mouthguard into the hot water for 30 seconds or according to the specific manufacturer instructions. Different mouthpieces are made form stronger material and need to be soaked for longer times. Remove the mouthpiece from the water, and dip it into the cold water for one to three seconds.

    Moulding the mouthpiece

    • Remove the mouthpiece from the cold water using your fingers, and put the mouthpiece in your mouth so that it is sitting comfortably. Close your teeth around the mouthpiece, and bite down. Use your tongue to push the mouthpiece against the back of the teeth to hold it in place and mold the plastic around the teeth. Run your tongue along all of your teeth. Suck on the mouthpiece as you run your tongue along the plastic to remove air and water.

    Finishing the mouthpiece molding

    • Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth, and dip it back into the hot water for eight seconds. Take the mouthpiece out of the hot water, shake it dry, then place it in your mouth. Use your fingers to mold the mouthpiece along the front of the teeth. Mold any area that covers the roof of your mouth. Take the mouthpiece out, and place in the cold water for two to five minutes to harden it. If there is excessive material or any that is sharp, cut it off.