Fitting a new mouth guard
Students who have braces or other orthodontic appliances should consult with their dentist or orthodontist about an appropriate mouth guard that will not damage their orthodontics. Use of the type described below is generally not recommended for use with braces.
We have found that the ShockDoctor mouth guard (available through Amazon and other sports retailers) works well for us, and it does not require custom fitting; though you may find other similar products that work for you or your child.
Fill a bowl with very hot tap water. Do not use boiling water as you may cause the mouth guard to melt completely. Put the mouth guard into the hot water for a minute and then remove it with a spoon. Feel if the plastic is soft. If it is not put it back in the hot water for another 30 seconds.
Repeat until the plastic feels soft and almost sticky.
Run cool water over the mouth guard for just a few seconds to cool the outside so that you don't burn your mouth and then fit the mouth guard onto your upper teeth. Do not bite down hard as you can actually bite through the plastic. Seal your lips and suck on the mouth guard hard for 45 seconds to one minute. During this time, press the guard against your teeth and gums with your tongue and lips while it cools. This will help form the device.
Open your mouth and check the guard for fit. If the mouth guard fits well, leave it in place for another two minutes, then remove the mouth guard.
If the mouth guard is causing you to gag it may be too big. Trim then ends with a pair of scissors so they do not go so far back into the mouth. This happens most often with children who may have a more sensitive gag reflex.
If the impressions are not deep enough or the mouth guard is improperly aligned or loose, reheat the mouth guard and re-fit it to your mouth. It should never just come out of your mouth. The mouth guard should fit so it stays in place even when your mouth is open. To help it to stay better, wet the mouth guard before use.
As your child grows you may wish to re-fit the mouth guard to accommodate new teeth.
If you wear orthodontic braces, do not suck on the mouth guard while fitting it to your mouth.
Repeat until the plastic feels soft and almost sticky.
Run cool water over the mouth guard for just a few seconds to cool the outside so that you don't burn your mouth and then fit the mouth guard onto your upper teeth. Do not bite down hard as you can actually bite through the plastic. Seal your lips and suck on the mouth guard hard for 45 seconds to one minute. During this time, press the guard against your teeth and gums with your tongue and lips while it cools. This will help form the device.
Open your mouth and check the guard for fit. If the mouth guard fits well, leave it in place for another two minutes, then remove the mouth guard.
If the mouth guard is causing you to gag it may be too big. Trim then ends with a pair of scissors so they do not go so far back into the mouth. This happens most often with children who may have a more sensitive gag reflex.
If the impressions are not deep enough or the mouth guard is improperly aligned or loose, reheat the mouth guard and re-fit it to your mouth. It should never just come out of your mouth. The mouth guard should fit so it stays in place even when your mouth is open. To help it to stay better, wet the mouth guard before use.
As your child grows you may wish to re-fit the mouth guard to accommodate new teeth.
If you wear orthodontic braces, do not suck on the mouth guard while fitting it to your mouth.