Instructions on How to Boil Nike Custom-Fit Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are plastic dental appliances worn by athletes to prevent damage to their teeth and gums, especially in high-impact sports such as football and hockey. Generic, one-size-fits-all mouth guards can be purchased at sports stores and pharmacies, as well as "boil and bite" mouth guards, popular because they adhere to the shape of individual mouths. These two types of mouth guards are generally under $10. Custom-made mouth guards are available from your dentist or orthodontist at a much higher cost. Nike Custom-Fit mouth guards are of the "boil and bite" variety.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Pot
  • Stove
  • Tongs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a pot about 2/3 full with water. Place the pot on stove and bring it to a boil.

    • 2

      Grip the Nike Custom Fit mouth guard with tongs and gently lower it into the boiling water. Use caution to avoid splashing the hot water. Hold the mouth guard in the boiling water for approximately 45 seconds.

    • 3

      Remove the mouth guard with the tongs and immediately place it in cold water for about three seconds. You can fill a plastic container with cold water and submerge the mouth guard, or simply place it under a running faucet.

    • 4

      Remove the mouth guard from the cold water and quickly test its temperature with your fingers.

    • 5

      Place the mouth guard in your mouth when it is sufficiently cool. Press on the mouth guard with two fingers to insure it is molding to your teeth accurately.

    • 6

      Bite down on the mouth guard and suck any excess water to insure an accurate fit.