How to Fit a Mouth Guard

Co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 Fact Checked

Mouth guards are an important piece of equipment in football, soccer, basketball, and many contact sports.^{[1]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} Custom-fitting the rubber against your teeth makes the experience of wearing one much safer and more comfortable. The whole process doesn't take more than a few seconds. See Step 1 for more information.

Steps

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1
Gather the necessary materials. To properly fit your mouthguard, you'll need:
- your mouthguard
- scissors
- enough boiling water to submerge the mouthguard in
- a bowl of ice water
- a towel
2
Trim the mouthguard for length. 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.
- 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. Some athletes prefer a more comfortable and short guard that covers the teeth as far as the first molars. Do what's comfortable.
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3
Submerge the mouthguard in boiling water. You need enough boiling water to submerge the mouthguard in it for between 30 and 60 seconds. 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 already cut it off, you can just drop it in the water and retrieve it with a slotted spoon.
- If you have braces, or other dental prosthetics, boil the water for only around 30 seconds. You want the mouthguard to fit your mouth, but not to fill in the crannies around your braces, which can damage them.
4
Remove the mouthguard carefully. 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 firmly to get the impression of your teeth on the bottom of the mouthguard and suck the guard against your top teeth.^{[2]
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- 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 15 or 20 seconds.
- Don't chew the mouthguard or move it around in your mouth while you're fitting it.
5
Place the mouthguard in the ice water. Remove the mouthguard and dunk it in the ice water. Let it cool for a minute or two and try the fit. It should fit snugly against your top teeth without having to hold it with your tongue, and it should fit naturally into your bottom 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 it again until you get a proper fit.

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.

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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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Talk to your orthodontist for instructions if you're worried about your braces.^{[3]
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If the guard is too large for your mouth, try cutting it before you boil it. If you have to cut it afterwards, it might have sharp edges that irritate your mouth. If you really have to cut the guard after the boiling and fitting process, then boil the edges again for a short time and try to smoothen them out in your mouth.

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It doesn't matter which type of Mouth Guard you are using. These steps should work with most brands.

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Tips from our Readers

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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Warnings

Do not boil the mouthguard for too long. It might lump together when you pull it out of the water and your guard will be ruined.

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Blot the mouthguard first before putting it in your mouth to avoid burning your tongue on the water.

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