A lot of sports use mouthguards as a piece of safety equipment.If your mouthguard isn't molded to your teeth, it could fall out at an important moment, or it might not be comfortable in your own mouth.If you trim the mouthguard to the right size and shape, you can make it more effective and enjoyable in a few minutes.
Step 1: Place the mouthguard in your mouth.
Put the mouthguard in your mouth.You can feel it against the back of your mouth with your teeth, tongue, or fingers.You will need to trim it down if it doesn't sit comfortably or presses against the back of your mouth.If the mouthguard is soft enough, you can bite down on the guard to see where your teeth are.This can be used to help trim the mouthguard.If the mouthguard does not fit over your teeth, don't worry.It needs to fit in your mouth.
Step 2: The ends of the mouthguard need to be trimmed around 2 centimetre (0.20 in).
Remove the mouthguard from your mouth.If it was too big, use a pair of scissors to remove around 2 centimetre (0.20 in) from the end.To see the end of the mouthguard, try to cut on an angle.If both sides are the same length, repeat.Remove the mouthguard if you can see the impression of your teeth in it.Any part of the mouthguard that does not have a bite mark can be removed.
Step 3: The mouthguard is tested again.
Put the mouthguard in your mouth and move it around.If the mouthguard is still pressing against the back of your mouth, you have to remove another 2 centimetre (0.20 in) at a time until it fits.Don't worry if the cut is jagged or weird at the back of your mouth.The mouthguard can be boiled in water to mold it.When the mouthguard is at its perfect length, it should only cover your second teeth.
Step 4: The water needs to be boiled.
Put a saucepan or pot with around 10 centimetres of water over a medium-high heat.The water should come to a rolling boil before the heat is turned off.Make sure the water in the pot is enough to fully submerge your mouthguard.You can use a microwave to boil the water if you don't have a stovetop.The water can be microwaved for 4 to 5 minutes until it begins to boil.
Step 5: Take the mouthguard out of the water for 30 seconds.
Lower the mouthguard into the water with a spoon.If you want to stop the mouthguard from touching the sides, set a timer for 30 seconds and let it sit in the water.The strap on the front of the guard can be used to hold the mouthguard in the water.When boiling your mouthguard, follow the manufacturer's instructions.They need to be boiled for around 30 seconds, but some may take more or less time.
Step 6: Take the mouthguard out of the water and let it cool for 20 seconds.
Remove the mouthguard from the water and place it on a dry towel.Remove any boiling water from the mouthguard by using the edges of the towel.The mouthguard should be warm to the touch.You may mold the mouthguard too much if it is still hot.You can wash away boiling water by dipping the mouthguard into cold water.
Step 7: Put the mouthguard against your teeth.
Press the mouthguard into place around your teeth.To mold the edge of the mouthguard to your top teeth, use your fingers and tongue, and bite lightly into it.You only have 30 seconds to put the mouthguard in before it becomes too cool to mold.It's important to shape it to your teeth quickly.
Step 8: To tighten the mouthguard, remove the excess water from it.
As you place the mouthguard around your teeth, use a sucking or swallowing motion to draw out any water between the teeth.This will help mold the guard to the shape of your mouth.
Step 9: Place the mouthguard into cold water.
Put the mouthguard into a bowl of cold water.It's best to leave it to sit for 30 seconds in the cold water.If the mouthguard is not quite right, you can mold it again to make it better.
Step 10: In a well-ventilated place, store the mouthguard.
Before storing the mouthguard in a dry place, make sure it is completely dry.To keep the mouthguard dry between uses, use a plastic box with holes in it.