How to Prepare a Mouth Guard

Mouth guards are usually associated with contact sports such as football, boxing and hockey. They are, however, beneficial to skateboarders, soccer players and participants in any activity that poses the risk of falling or colliding with other athletes. You can purchase an inexpensive mouth guard at most sporting goods stores. When properly prepared, a mouth guard can save you a fortune in dental repairs.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cool water
  • 2 bowls
  • String
  • Knife
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the mouth guard to a custom length, if necessary. Place the guard in your mouth over your upper row of teeth. It should extend far enough so that your top teeth do not touch your bottom teeth, yet it should be short enough so that you can close your jaw and breathe without gagging. If the guard is too long, slice a small portion off of each side. It is important to keep the sides even so that the center of the guard covers your two front teeth.

    • 2

      Boil a cup of water. Pour it into a bowl that is deep enough to allow you to completely submerge your mouth guard.

    • 3

      Loop a long piece of string around your mouth guard. Drop the mouth guard into the hot water. Keep it submerged for approximately 30 seconds.

    • 4

      Drop the hot mouth guard into the cool water, submerging it for five to 10 seconds. Do not allow it get so cool that the rubber and plaster harden.

    • 5

      Place the warm mouth guard into your mouth. With your thumbs, press it against your upper row of teeth. Bite down. You will feel your teeth sink into the pliable rubber and plastic. Your mouth guard will harden quickly. It will then be customized to fit comfortably over your teeth.