Q&A for How to Fit a Mouth Guard

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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.

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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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Question

Should the mouth guard stick to my top teeth?

Community Answer

Yes it should. If this is the first time you've worn the guard, then stick it up you upper or top teeth and suck on it and keep biting and sucking on the mouth guard for at least 5 minutes. Then, take it out and immediately apply cold water for 10 minutes and stick it to your teeth again. It should be comfortable.

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Question

Should the mouthguard stay on my top teeth?

Community Answer

Yes, it should.

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Question

When I bite down, my bottom teeth should not make contact with the mouth guard, or do I bite down with both sets of teeth?

Community Answer

You bite with both sets of teeth because you fight (or do any other contact sport) with the mouth closed, so when the mouth is closed, it should fit perfectly.

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Question

Should the tightness be permanent?

Community Answer

The tightness may be permanent if you bought a mouthguard that is too small. But overtime it may loosen.

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Question

What to do in case I boil my mouth guard and it goes out of shape?

Community Answer

Talk to your orthodontist about getting a new mouthguard that fits well, and do not boil it in the future.

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Question

What if my guard doesn't have a strap?

Community Answer

If your mouthguard doesn't have a strap or you already cut it off, drop it in the water and retrieve it with a slotted spoon.

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Question

If the mouth guard is for the top teeth, what protects the bottom teeth?

Community Answer

The mouth guard protects them as well.

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Question

I have a shock doctor braces mouth guard but it doesn't fit. What should I do so that it will fit well?

Community Answer

You could get a slightly larger size, so you're more comfortable and it protects you better.

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Question

I've got a mouth guard that can be used with braces, however I don't have braces on at the moment. It feels very thick and doesn't stay in place, so how do I get it comfortable?

Community Answer

Get a new one, or don't use one.

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Question

What does it mean when I get a toothache when I bite down on my mouth guard?

Donagan

Top Answerer

It means there's something wrong with your tooth. See a dentist. If the pain is in your gum, however, it may mean your mouthguard is not fitting properly.

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Question

What does the clip-on part of my mouth guard do?

Community Answer

The clip-on piece of the mouth guard is for sports that involve helmets. You can attach the guard to the helmet so it does not fall out and to enable you to remove the mouth guard without taking your helmet off.

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Question

What do I do if my mouth guard keeps falling out? It won't stay in no matter what I do.

Community Answer

It sounds as though you're wearing the wrong size. Try a smaller size and see if it helps.

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Question

What is the roof of my mouth guard?

Sophi Corben

Community Answer

The top of the mouth guard.

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Question

Will the mouth guard be very hot after it is out of the boiling water? Will it burn my teeth?

Community Answer

No, it might be a little warm, though. You can give it a second to cool or run it under some tap water if you want.

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Question

How do I fit in a mouth guard if my teeth stick out?

Community Answer

You can go to a dentist to get a fitted mouth guard if none available from stores work.

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Question

Before I fit my mouthguard, I put it in my teeth and it isn't really a comfortable fit. Is this normal?

Community Answer

If you haven't fit it yet, of course it won't be comfortable. You have to mold it to get a good fit.

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Question

If the mouth guard is too big, can I cut it?

Riley Next

Community Answer

No. You will have to get a new one molded for your mouth. It could be extremely dangerous to your mouth and your health.

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Question

It cuts into my gums after I shape it. What do I do?

Community Answer

Your local dentist can make you a custom one that will fit perfectly. I recommend this, because if mouth guards do not fit properly, they can damage your teeth and gums.

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Question

What if I melted it? Can it be fixed?

Community Answer

Possibly, try to stick it in boiling water for 30 seconds, then ice water for a few seconds. Try to reshape it to your mouth. Once you have the desired shape, leave it in ice water for 5-10 minutes.

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Question

What do I do if my mouth guard is not wide enough?

Community Answer

Buy a mouth guard that fits to your mouth. Put it in warm water and then it will mold around your teeth.

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Question

Will the mouth guard mold into the shape of my mouth, or will it just fit better than before?

Community Answer

This will mold to the shape of your teeth.

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Question

What is the extra clip-on piece for?

Community Answer

It is to connect the mouth guard to your helmet so that you don't have to hold the mouth guard.

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Question

Will it still fit if I bite hard into the plastic part after boiling it?

Community Answer

It should fit if you place it correctly in your mouth and you do not bite too hard. If it doesn't, you might need to get another mouth guard and try again.

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Question

Do I have to boil the mouth guard to use it?

AnonymousOne

Community Answer

You don't need to, but you should. it fits better that way. And, it isn't too hot, if you're worried about that.

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Question

Will the heat from fitting a mouth guard damage new crowns?

Community Answer

It depends on how new the crown is. If it's fairly new you might want to wait a bit. If it is 4 or more months old, it shouldn't damage it.

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Question

What do I do if the gel of my mouth guard is gone?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Get a new mouth guard. Some models don't use gel, but if yours does, get a new one.

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Question

What happens if the mouth guard melts?

Community Answer

If the mouth guard melts, the best option is to get a replacement. Keep an eye on it and don't let it get too hot.

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