Mouthguard Boiling Instructions

Mouthguards are devices worn over the teeth to protect them from trauma caused by sports injuries or nighttime tooth grinding. There are a few types of mouthguards available. One is a ready-made type that comes in predetermined sizes, another is custom-made and fitted for the wearer by a dentist and a third type is the "boil-and-bite" mouthguard, which is bought over the counter, but which the user customizes by heating in boiling water and biting.

Things You'll Need

• "Boil-and-bite" mouthguard
• Pan of boiling water
• Pan of cool water

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Instructions

• 1

  Heat the mouthguard. Place your mouthguard in the pan of boiling water for 10 to 20 seconds until it feels soft and pliable.

• 2

  Cool the mouthguard slightly. To avoid burning yourself, immerse the heated mouthguard in the cool water for three to five seconds.

• 3

  Fit the mouthguard. Place the mouthguard in your mouth, with your teeth in its grooved trays. Bite down and press the plastic up and around your teeth with your fingers on the outside, while pressing it around your teeth with your tongue on the inside until you feel the fit is right.

• 4

  Set the mouthguard. To make the plastic of your mouthguard firm again, replace it in the cool water for 30 seconds or until it is hard and cool. Your mouthguard is now ready to use.

• 5

  Trim the mouthguard. If needed, you can use a pair of sharp scissors to trim any excess material from your mouthguard.