How to Create Your Own Mouth Guard

Whether you play sports, grind your teeth or suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), you might need a mouth guard to protect your teeth. Going to the dentist to have one custom made can be expensive. In recent years, however, companies have come out with mouth guards that are easily molded to fit your mouth, and for a fraction of the price that you would pay at the dentist.

Things You'll Need

• Small pot
• Moldable mouth guard
• Tongs
• Water
• Scissors

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a moldable mouth guard, which are available at drug stores or sporting goods stores. Using a small pot or sauce pan, add a few cups of water and allow the water to get hot just below boiling point. Use the tongs to submerge the mouth guard into the water for about 15 seconds. Be sure not to leave it in longer than 15 to 20 seconds or it will be too hot to handle with your hands.

• 2

  Use the tongs to take the mouth guard out of the water and wait a few seconds before putting it in your mouth. Place it on your teeth and press and mold it with your fingers. Bite down and hold it in place for three to five minutes.

• 3

  Remove the mouth guard from your mouth and allow it to completely harden. Once it hardens, you can trim it down with scissors to fit your comfort level, or for further molding, you can put it in hot water again.