Mouthguard Molding Instructions

Heat a small pot of water to a full boil and submerge the mouthguard for 20 to 30 seconds. Refer to your mouthguard instructions for the exact length of time. The mouthguard should be heated to the point of being pliable, but not to the point where it begins to melt.

Remove the mouthguard from the boiling water using a pair of tongs, taking care not to deform it by squeezing too tightly. Cool the mouthguard either by briefly dipping it in cool water or by allowing it to air dry. Refer to your mouthguard instructions to see if water is recommended. It only needs to be cooled to a point where you can put it in your mouth without burning yourself.

Mold the mouthguard to your mouth. Place it in your mouth as you will wear it in game action. Some mouthguards are worn on the top teeth and some on the bottom. Push the mouthguard against your teeth with your fingers and bite down lightly. Pull the guard tighter to you teeth by placing your tongue against the roof of your mouth and sucking air and water out.

Cool the mouthguard. Some mouthguard instructions call for the guard to be rapidly cooled after it has been fitted by immersing it in cold water. If the mouthguard does not fit properly at this point, it can be re-molded by starting the process over again.

Using a mouth-formed mouthguard is the easiest way to achieve a custom fit. They can, however, become worn and lose their effectiveness over time. The guard should be inspected frequently and replaced when it becomes deformed or edges become jagged.