Maya Ellison
Mouth guards are important safety equipment for athletes, especially in contact sports such as football, basketball, and soccer. While custom-made mouth guards are always recommended for optimal protection and comfort, a DIY mouth guard can be a good temporary solution. Forming a plastic mouth guard typically involves submerging it in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, moulding it to your teeth, and then setting its shape by placing it in cold water. This process can be repeated until a comfortable fit is achieved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To form a plastic mouth guard for sports or teeth grinding |
| Fit | Should be snug against the top teeth and fit naturally into the bottom teeth |
| Customisation | Trimming the ends of the mouthguard can help achieve a better fit |
| Boiling | Submerge the mouthguard in boiling water for 30-60 seconds to soften the plastic |
| Moulding | Place the warm mouthguard in your mouth and bite down for 15-20 seconds |
| Setting | Place the moulded mouthguard in cold water for 1-2 minutes to set its shape |
| Durability | DIY mouth guards are less durable than custom-made mouth guards |
| Cost | DIY mouth guards are more affordable, costing between $1 to $30 |
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What You'll Learn
Boil water and submerge the mouthguard for 30-60 seconds
To form a plastic mouthguard, you will need to start by boiling a pot of water. Fill a saucepan or pot with around 10 centimetres (3.9 inches) of water and place it over medium-high heat. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, turn off the heat. Make sure there is enough water in the pot to fully submerge your mouthguard.
Now, carefully submerge the mouthguard in the boiling water. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to lower the mouthguard into the water and ensure it is fully submerged. You can hold it by the end strap if it has one. Let the mouthguard sit in the water for 30-60 seconds. This will allow the plastic to soften.
After 30-60 seconds, carefully remove the mouthguard from the water. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to lift it out, then place it on a clean, dry towel. Blot the mouthguard to remove any excess water and let it cool slightly. The mouthguard should be warm to the touch but not hot. You can also dip it in cold water for a second to cool it off. Be careful not to move the mouthguard around too much at this stage, as you may accidentally mould it before it's ready.
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Remove and let it cool for 20 seconds
After removing the mouthguard from the water, it's important to let it cool for 20 seconds. This can be done by placing it on a clean, dry towel and using the edges of the towel to dry off the mouthguard and let it cool down. The mouthguard should be warm to the touch, but not hot. Avoid touching or moving the mouthguard too much, as you may accidentally mould it while it's still hot. You can also dip the mouthguard into cold water for a second to cool it off and wash away any boiling water.
During this 20-second cooling period, you can prepare for the moulding process by getting ready to place the mouthguard in your mouth. Make sure your hands are clean and dry, and that you're in a comfortable position.
The cooling period is crucial because it ensures that the mouthguard is at a safe temperature to be placed in your mouth. It also allows the mouthguard to become pliable and mouldable, making it easier to form to the shape of your teeth and gums.
If you skip the cooling period or don't let the mouthguard cool enough, you risk burning your mouth or not getting a proper mould. This 20-second window is enough time for the mouthguard to become malleable without losing its shape completely.
Remember, the goal is to have a slightly cooled, softened mouthguard that is ready to be moulded to your teeth for a comfortable and secure fit.
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Place in your mouth and bite down
Once you're satisfied with the size of your mouthguard, it's time to mould it to your teeth. Bring a pot of water to a boil and submerge the mouthguard for around 30 seconds. Take it out and let it cool for 20 seconds. You can place it on a clean, dry towel and use the edges to dry off the mouthguard, removing any boiling water. You can also dip it in cold water for a second to cool it off. The mouthguard should be warm to the touch, but not hot.
Now, place the mouthguard in your mouth and bite down. Suck it to your teeth to get the best fit. You can use your thumbs to push the guard against your back molars, and bite down for 15-20 seconds. Close your lips and suck for a minute to ensure a tight, comfortable fit. Be careful not to bite through the mouthguard. If you have braces, do not suck. The mouthguard will form naturally around them.
After moulding, the mouthguard will settle into an even more secure fit. If it doesn't sit comfortably or presses against the back of your mouth, you may need to trim it down. Take the mouthguard out and place it in a bowl of cold water for 1-2 minutes to solidify the plastic and set its shape.
If the fit isn't perfect, you can always repeat the process.
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$14.49 $22.99
Suck and press it against your teeth and gum line
To form a plastic mouthguard, you need to soften it by submerging it in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds. You can use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the mouthguard from the water. Then, place it in your mouth and use your thumbs to push and press it against your back molars, and bite down for 15 to 20 seconds to get a good fit.
To ensure the mouthguard is moulded to your gum line, suck and press it against your teeth and gum line. Use your fingers on the outside of your lips to gently press it into your teeth and gum line. Do this for 30 seconds.
Sucking and pressing the mouthguard against your teeth and gum line will help to draw out any water between your teeth and the mouthguard. This will ensure the mouthguard is moulded to your teeth and the shape of your mouth.
After moulding, remove the mouthguard and place it under cold, running water for 30 seconds to a minute. Place it back in your mouth and test for a tight fit. If the fit isn't perfect, repeat the process.
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Dunk in cold water to set its shape
After shaping your mouth guard by moulding it to your teeth, you can set its shape by dunking it in cold water. This process helps to stabilise the temperature of the mouth guard so that it is tolerable when you place it in your mouth. It also helps to wash away any remaining boiling water.
The mouth guard should be left in the cold water for around 30 seconds to a minute to fully set its shape. If you leave it in too long, it may affect the fitting performance. You can then try the mouth guard on to see if it fits. It should fit snugly against your top teeth without needing to hold it in place with your tongue and should fit naturally into your bottom teeth. If it feels uncomfortable or ill-fitting, you can try the process again until you get a proper fit.
It is important to store your mouth guard in a dry location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. High temperatures can alter the mouth guard's material, so it is also important to let it air dry completely before storing it.
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Frequently asked questions
Bring a pot of water to boil and submerge the mouth guard for 30 seconds. Take it out and let it cool for 20 seconds. Put the boiled mouthguard in your mouth and bite down. Suck it to your teeth to get the best fit.
Boil the mouth guard for 30-60 seconds. If you have braces, boil the water for only 30 seconds.
Place the mouthguard in your mouth to test the fit. If it doesn't sit comfortably or presses against the back of your mouth, you will need to trim it down.
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