Mouthguard Shaping Instructions
For participants in any contact sport, a mouth guard is essential for protecting your teeth, gums and lips from painful injuries. Whether you're tearing up the football field or sparring in the dojo, a properly fit mouth guard is indispensable.
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Mouth Guard Basics
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While custom fit mouth guards can be purchased through dentist offices or specialty retailers, the most commonly available guards are fit at home, by the owner. These mouth guards are generally referred to as "boil and bite" guards, due to the fitting process. Additionally, there are other mouth guards which are not fit to the individual's mouth. These preformed mouth guards may be a few dollars cheaper, but don't offer the same comfort and protection of a fitted guard.
As suggested by the term "boil and bite," fitted mouth guards are molded by first boiling the mouth guard, then "biting" the guard to shape the soft plastic to your teeth. There are actually a few more steps than this, and failing to follow all of the steps can be dangerous.
Supplies for Fitting
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First, gather your supplies. You should have the mouth guard and any instructions that came with it. You will need two containers of water. The first will be a small pot, with enough water in it to submerge the guard completely, but not resting on the bottom of the pot. The second container should be filled with enough cold water to submerge the mouth guard completely. You will also need a pair of tongs.
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Boil
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Bring the small pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, put the mouth guard into the water. Leave it for 20 to 30 seconds. Be careful as you boil and remove the guard from the boiling water. If the guard is squeezed too tightly by tongs or set on the bottom of the pot, the plastic may melt or deform.
Cool
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Once removed from the boiling water, dip the guard into the cold water and remove after 1 second. This step is too cool off the plastic enough to safely put it in your mouth, not to cool the plastic completely. The guard should still be rather warm to the touch, but not so hot that it scalds your mouth.
Fit
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Place the guard into your mouth, onto the upper teeth. Do not bite or clench your teeth. Instead, using firm but gentle pressure, press the soft plastic up against the teeth so that it can mold to the shape of the teeth. Biting or clenching will cause too much pressure, thinning the plastic between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the protection from tooth chips and cracks.
Once the guard is in place, close your mouth, without closing your teeth, and suck out any water or air. This will produce a tighter, more comfortable fit. Once this is done, gently remove the guard and submerge it again in the cold water to set the shape.
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