Kristian Ferrell
Mouthguards are an important piece of equipment for athletes, especially in contact sports such as basketball, where they protect the mouth and teeth. A poorly fitting mouthguard can be uncomfortable, restrict breathing and speech, and even put your teeth and jaw at risk. To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, it is important to mould your mouthguard correctly. This process can be done at home with boiling water, and there are several brands that offer mouldable mouthguards, such as GuardLab and SISU.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Moulding technique | Boil and bite |
| Moulding time | 5 minutes or less |
| Moulding process | Boil water, submerge mouthguard for 30 seconds, cool for 20 seconds, bite down and suck to teeth, place in cold water to set |
| Fit | Should cover second molars, should not be too tight |
| Storage | Dry, well-ventilated place |
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What You'll Learn
Boil and bite mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a popular option for athletes seeking a secure, comfortable, and protective mouthguard without the bulk. They are designed to lock in place for a secure fit, offering better breathability and superior shock absorption.
To mould a boil-and-bite mouthguard, first, trim the mouthguard so that it just covers your second molars. Bring a pot of water to a boil and submerge the mouthguard for around 30 seconds. Then, remove it and let it cool for 20 seconds. At this point, you can choose to dip the mouthguard into cold water for a second to cool it off and wash away any boiling water.
Next, place the mouthguard in your mouth and bite down, sucking it to your teeth to get the best fit. Use your fingers and tongue to mould the edge of the mouthguard to your top teeth, and lightly bite into it to mould it to your bottom teeth as well. Work quickly, as you will only have around 30 seconds before the mouthguard becomes too cool to easily mould.
After moulding the mouthguard, use a sucking or swallowing motion to draw out any excess water between your teeth and the mouthguard. This will help the mouthguard tighten to your teeth and mould perfectly to the shape of your mouth. Then, place the mouthguard into a bowl of cold water for around 30 seconds to ensure it sets fully.
If the mouthguard doesn’t fit quite right, you can repeat the process of boiling and moulding to reshape it. Once you are happy with the fit, make sure the mouthguard is completely dry before storing it in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated place to prevent the build-up of mould or bacteria.
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Trimming and moulding
To ensure a snug fit, use a sucking or swallowing motion to draw out any water between your teeth and the mouthguard. Hold the mouthguard in place for around 30 seconds, or as specified by the manufacturer. Then, remove it from your mouth and place it in a container of cold water to cool and harden. Once the mouthguard has cooled and hardened, you can test it for fit and comfort. If it is not quite right, you can repeat the process of boiling and moulding. When you are happy with the fit, make sure the mouthguard is completely dry before storing it in a clean, dry place.
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Using cold water to set
Prepare the Mouthguard
Firstly, you need to trim the mouthguard to the right size. Place the mouthguard in your mouth and bite firmly. Remove it and check the indents. If it pokes the back of your mouth or causes you to gag, trim a little off the back and round the edges. You may need to repeat this process until you are satisfied with the size and comfort of the mouthguard.
Boil the Mouthguard
Next, boil a pot of water and carefully submerge the mouthguard. Leave it in the water for around 30 seconds or until it becomes soft and pliable. Be careful not to leave it in the water for too long, as it may start to deform or melt. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to carefully lift the mouthguard out of the water.
Mould the Mouthguard
Once the mouthguard is soft, blot it with a towel and place it in your mouth as quickly as possible. It should be warm but not hot. Use your thumbs to push the mouthguard against your molars and front teeth, moulding it around your teeth and gums. Bite down firmly and use your tongue to apply pressure, sucking the guard against your teeth. This will create a tight fit and should take around 30-45 seconds.
Set the Mouthguard in Cold Water
Now, place the mouthguard in a bowl of cold water for around 30 seconds. This will allow it to cool and harden, maintaining its new shape. You can test the fit once it feels solid. If it doesn't fit well, you may need to repeat the process.
Storage and Maintenance
After setting your mouthguard, it's important to store it effectively. Choose a well-ventilated container or a clean, dry closed container. Regularly inspect your mouthguard for any wear, tears, or alterations in shape, and replace it when necessary to maintain hygiene and function.
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Storing your mouthguard
Firstly, ensure that your mouthguard is thoroughly cleaned before storing it. Mouthguards can harbour bacteria, leading to potential infections or dental issues. Thus, it is crucial to keep your mouthguard clean and sanitary. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently brush your mouthguard. Alternatively, you can use mild, alcohol-free soap and water. Rinse your mouthguard with cool water, ensuring all soap residue is removed. Another effective method is to use an alcohol-free mouthwash diluted in water. Soak your mouthguard in this solution for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry it. This process will help eliminate any harmful bacteria.
Once your mouthguard is cleaned and dried, it's important to store it in a well-ventilated place. Choose a clean, dry storage container with ventilation holes to prevent the buildup of mould or bacteria. Avoid airtight containers, as they can create a moist environment conducive to bacterial growth.
Additionally, select a storage location that is easily accessible and convenient for you. This will encourage consistent use and help you develop a good habit of wearing your mouthguard when needed. For example, if you use your mouthguard for sports, consider storing it in your sports bag or in a designated compartment of your sports equipment storage area.
Regularly clean your mouthguard and the storage container to maintain optimal hygiene. Over time, bacteria and debris can accumulate, compromising the cleanliness of your mouthguard. Therefore, establish a routine cleaning schedule, such as once a week or bi-weekly, to keep your mouthguard in pristine condition.
Lastly, ensure that your hands are clean before handling your mouthguard. When inserting or removing the mouthguard from your mouth, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent transferring bacteria from your hands to the mouthguard. This simple practice will significantly reduce the risk of oral health issues.
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Custom-fit mouthguards
There are several companies that offer custom-fit mouthguards, such as TruFIT Customs, Impact Custom Mouthguards, and GuardLab. TruFIT Customs offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, promising a full refund if customers are not satisfied with their product. Impact Custom Mouthguards offers two options: CustomFIT, which is tailored to each individual's dental profile, and QuickFIT, which offers a faster and more convenient solution with less customization. GuardLab's APEX and APEX Lite mouthguards are pre-indented with a Bite Pattern, showing users where to place their teeth, making it faster and easier to mould the guard.
To mould a custom-fit mouthguard, one must first trim the mouthguard so that it covers just the second molars. Then, bring a pot of water to a boil and submerge the mouthguard for 30 seconds. Remove the mouthguard from the water and let it cool for 20 seconds before placing it in your mouth and biting down, sucking it into place to get the best fit. Use your fingers and tongue to mould the edge of the mouthguard to your top teeth, and lightly bite to mould it to your bottom teeth as well. It is important to work quickly, as you will only have about 30 seconds before the mouthguard becomes too cool to easily mould.
After moulding the mouthguard, place it in a bowl of cold water for 30 seconds to set it fully. Be sure to store the mouthguard in a clean, dry place in a well-ventilated plastic box to prevent the build-up of mould or bacteria.
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Frequently asked questions
The boil and bite mouthguard is the most common type of over-the-counter mouthguard and can be moulded at home. First, submerge the mouthguard in boiling water for 30 seconds. Then, take it out and let it cool for 20 seconds. Place the mouthguard in your mouth and bite down, sucking it to your teeth to get the best fit. Finally, place the mouthguard in cold water to set it fully.
A properly fitting mouthguard will provide protection and comfort, while a lopsided mouthguard can put your teeth and jaw at risk, making breathing and talking difficult.
Make sure the mouthguard is completely dry before storing it in a clean, dry place. Use a plastic box with ventilation holes to allow the mouthguard to stay dry between uses and prevent the build-up of mould or bacteria.
