How to Fit a Mouth Guard

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Mouth guards are an important piece of equipment in football, soccer, basketball, and many contact sports. [1] Custom-fitting the rubber against your teeth makes the experience of wearing one much safer and more comfortable. [2] The whole process doesn't take more than a few seconds. See Step 1 for more information, along with insight from board-certified dentist and oral surgeon Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS.

Steps

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  1. [3] To properly fit your mouthguard, Dr. Adatrow explains that you'll need:
    • Your mouthguard
    • A pot or saucepan large enough to submerge the mouth guard
    • A stove or heat source to boil water
    • Tongs or another utensil to handle the mouth guard
    • Scissors
    • A bowl of ice water
    • A towel

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS is a board-certified dentist and oral surgeon. He has over 15 years of experience in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontics, and gum graft procedures.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Fit a Mouth Guard
    You may need to trim the ends to make sure your mouthguard fits comfortably and doesn't irritate the back of your mouth. Put it in before you fit it and trim a bit off the ends if necessary. If it pokes into your mouth at the back of your jaw or causes you to gag, trim off a little using scissors. As Dr. Adatrow says, “You can remove excess materials if it extends too far beyond your teeth.” [4]
    • Dr. Adatrow explains that a mouthguard is mostly used to protect your vulnerable front teeth, not your molars, so you've got some wiggle-room as far as the back of the mouthguard goes. [5] Some athletes prefer a more comfortable, short guard that covers the teeth as far as the first molars. Do what's comfortable.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Fit a Mouth Guard
    According to Dr. Adatrow, you need enough boiling water to submerge the mouthguard for between 30 and 60 seconds. [6] Start a small pot of boiling water on the stove, or boil some in the microwave.
    • Holding the mouthguard carefully by the end strap, submerge it in the water and let it soften. If your mouthguard doesn't have a strap, or you have already cut it off, drop it in the water and retrieve it with a slotted spoon or tongs.
    • If you have braces or other dental prosthetics, make sure you buy a mouth guard designed for braces, as these have more room to accommodate the wires and brackets. [7]
    • Dr. Adatrow adds, “Do not leave your mouthpiece longer than 60 seconds and follow each mouthpiece time instructions as each one has its own timing.” [8]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Fit a Mouth Guard
    Quickly blot the mouthguard on the towel and get it into your mouth, adjusting it against your upper teeth. It won't be uncomfortably hot.
    • Using your thumbs, push the mouth guard up and back against your molars. “Bite down gently but firmly on the mouthguard to create an impression of your teeth. Begin with your molars (back teeth) and gradually move to your front teeth. You can use your fingers to press the mouthguard against your teeth and gums for a snug fit. You can also suck out the excess air and saliva to further improve the fit,” explains Dr. Adatrow. [9]
    • Place your tongue against the roof of the mouth to create pressure and achieve a tight fit around your teeth. This shouldn't take more than 30 seconds.
    • Don't chew the mouthguard or move it around in your mouth while you're fitting it.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Fit a Mouth Guard
    “Remove the mouthguard, let it cool further or run cold water over it, and inspect the fit. It should fit snugly to your teeth and gums,” explains Dr. Adatrow. [10] You should not have to hold it with your tongue, and it should fit naturally over your teeth.
    • If you want to cut off the strap, you can do so now, or remove the removable strap.
    • If it feels uncomfortable or ill-fitting, try boiling and shaping it again until you get a proper fit.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you store a mouthguard in between uses?
    Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
    Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
    Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.
    Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
    Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
    Expert Answer
    To store your mouthguard effectively between uses, selecting the appropriate container is essential. Choose one with ventilation to facilitate drying, or if you opt for a closed container, ensure it is clean and dry before placing the mouthguard inside. You can clean your mouthguard with a toothbrush and mild soap followed by rinsing with cold water and air drying it after every use. Store the container in a dry location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, as high temperatures can alter the mouthguard's material. Additionally, perform regular inspections of your mouthguard for any signs of wear, tears, or alterations in shape. Replacing the mouthguard when you detect such issues is crucial to maintain both its hygiene and function.
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  • Question
    Do I have to use a new mouth guard, or can I use one I haven't used in a while if I fit it with the steps in the article?
    Community Answer
    You should get a new one. An old one will not mould well to your teeth as it will likely be dry and cracked.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 22 Helpful 76
  • Question
    What happens if I chew the mouth guard? Do I need to get a new one?
    Community Answer
    If you chew the mouth guard, it will become unable to fit your teeth, and you will most likely need a new one.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 30 Helpful 97
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      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If the Mouth Guard feels too loose after you fit it for the first time, submerge it in the water again for 5 seconds. Then, take it back out and slightly push in the walls around the Mouth Guard with your thumbs and fingers. Once you submerge it in the cold water, the Mouth Guard should fit snugly.
      • Consider only putting in enough water to submerge the Mouth Guard. That way, there is no danger of melting the Mouth Guard strap.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fitting mouth guards, check out our in-depth interview with Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS .

      References

      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards
      2. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/mouthguards
      3. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.theorthodontists.com.au/blog/mouthguards-for-braces-how-to-choose-and-mould-your-mouthguard
      8. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards
      3. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To fit a mouth guard, start by putting it in your mouth and trimming any excess material off of the ends of the guard. Then, submerge the guard in boiling water for 30-60 seconds to soften the plastic. Remove the guard carefully from the water with a slotted spoon, and then put it in your mouth. Use your thumbs to push the guard against your back molars, and bite down firmly for 15-20 seconds to get a good fit. Remove the guard from your mouth and place it in a bowl of cold water for 1-2 minutes to solidify the plastic. If you want to learn how to position the guard in your mouth with your tongue, keep reading!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Lili H.

        Jun 21, 2018

        "I just started sparring and my mouth guard has instructions, but it wasn't totally clear. I looked up how to ..." more
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