How to Custom Fit a Mouthguard

A mouthguard, or mouthpiece, is an essential piece of safety equipment in any contact sport. Although professional athletes such as boxers and MMA fighters can invest in a mouthguard custom fit by a dentist, it is easy to custom fit a mouthguard at home. Follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pot of boiling water
• Metal tongs

1. Clean the mouthguard thoroughly with water and dish detergent to remove any oils or dirt left by manufacturing.
2. Boil a pot of water. Fill the pot with enough water so the mouthguard has room to float around. Leave the plastic plug in a double mouthguard. If the guard has a strap to attach to a face mask, use tongs to hold it out of the water.
3. Place mouthguard in boiling water for approximately one minute. The mouthguard should become noticeably more pliant.
4. Remove the mouthpiece with tongs. Hold by the helmet strap or plastic plug if there is one. Otherwise, take care not to pinch sections of the mouthguard together as it is being removed. Shake excess water off.
5. Place mouthguard in mouth, bite down and suck air out of mouth. Remove plastic plug from double pieces. Hold in mouth for 30 seconds.
6. Rinse mouthguard under cold water. It is now formed and ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash mouthguard with dish detergent and warm water after every use.