Sofia Martinez
Mouthguards are used to treat conditions like teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and snoring. They are also used to protect the mouth from sports-related injuries. There are two main types of mouthguards: stock and boil-and-bite. Stock mouthguards are ready-to-use, while boil-and-bite mouthguards can be customized at home by softening them in hot water and then biting into them to create a custom fit. Custom-made mouthguards, on the other hand, are created by dentists to fit a patient's exact dental anatomy. If you need to smooth out a plastic mouthguard, you can try a simple home remedy. First, find a smooth metal surface, preferably a spoon. Spray the back of the spoon with cooking spray or apply a small amount of edible lubricant. Heat the metal with a lighter and gently use the heated, lubricated spoon to smooth out the rough areas of the mouthguard.
How to smooth out a plastic mouth guard
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to smooth out a mouth guard | When there is a slight abrasion, rip or tear in the mouth guard that is causing discomfort |
| Tools | A smooth metal surface, preferably a spoon, and a source of heat |
| Procedure | Heat the metal surface and apply a small amount of cooking oil or edible lubricant. Carefully smooth out the rough area of the mouthguard using the heated metal surface. The heated metal will allow you to adjust the shape or smooth the mouth guard, and the lubricant prevents the metal from sticking to the mouthguard |
| Precautions | Be careful not to use too much heat as it can distort the mouth guard. Ensure that the metal surface is well-coated with lubricant and keep it moving over the area, rather than holding it still |
| When to seek professional help | If the rip or tear in the mouth guard is severe or continues to cause discomfort, visit a dental clinic or consider purchasing a new mouth guard |
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What You'll Learn
Heat a metal spoon and apply cooking oil or edible lubricant
If your mouthguard is uncomfortable, it may be because it doesn't have a smooth finish or has become rough over time. This can cause your upper lip to stick, and you may want to try and smooth the surface.
One way to do this is to heat a metal spoon and apply cooking oil or edible lubricant. Firstly, find a smooth metal surface—a spoon works best. Spray the back of the spoon with cooking spray or apply a small amount of cooking oil or edible lubricant. Heat the spoon with a lighter or another heat source. Be careful not to overheat the spoon, as this can distort the mouthguard. The heat will help to shape or smooth the guard, while the lubricant will ensure that the metal surface doesn't stick to the mouthguard or damage the material.
Once the spoon is heated and lubricated, gently smooth out the rough area of the mouthguard. Keep the spoon moving over the area and don't hold it still for too long. Depending on the severity of the roughness, this method is usually easy and effective. However, if the tear or rip in your mouthguard is severe or continues to cause discomfort, you may need to get a new one.
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Smooth out the rough area with the heated spoon
If your mouthguard has a slight abrasion, rip, or tear that is causing discomfort, you can smooth out the rough area with a heated spoon. First, find a smooth metal spoon. Then, heat the metal with a lighter and apply a small amount of cooking oil or edible lubricant to the bottom of the spoon. Make sure the spoon is slick with cooking spray so that it does not stick to the mouthguard. Gently smooth out the rough area with the heated and lubricated spoon. Be careful not to hold the spoon still in one place for too long, as too much heat can distort the mouthguard.
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Boil-and-bite guards can be adjusted by trimming
Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be adjusted by trimming to achieve a better fit. If the guard is too large for your mouth, you can cut it down to size. It is recommended to trim the mouthguard so that it just covers your second molars. You can use scissors or a knife to cut off any excess material from the ends of the guard, being careful not to cut off too much.
If you need to trim the mouthguard after the boiling and fitting process, you may end up with sharp edges that irritate your mouth. In this case, you can boil the edges again for a short time to soften them and then try to smooth them out in your mouth. Alternatively, you can use a smooth metal surface, such as a spoon, to smooth out the rough edges. Spray the back of the spoon with cooking spray or apply a small amount of edible lubricant to prevent the metal from sticking to the mouthguard. Gently apply the heated and lubricated spoon to the rough area to smooth it out.
It is important to note that incorrect alterations to your mouthguard could impact its performance and protection. If you are unsure about how to trim your mouthguard or if the alterations are not improving the fit, it is recommended to seek advice from a dental professional or the manufacturer.
Additionally, proper cleaning and sanitizing of your mouthguard are important to prevent the build-up of bacteria. Regular cleaning will help maintain the quality and longevity of your mouthguard.
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Cut before boiling to avoid sharp edges
If your mouthguard is causing discomfort, it may be too big or the wrong shape for your mouth. To avoid this, cut the mouthguard before boiling it to ensure it fits your mouth comfortably.
First, place the mouthguard in your mouth to test the fit. If it is too big or feels uncomfortable, use sharp scissors to cut off around 0.5 cm from the end. Try to cut at an angle to mirror the tapering at the end of the mouthguard. Repeat for both sides until they are the same length.
If the mouthguard leaves a gap at the front of your teeth, trim the edges. If it pokes into your mouth at the back of your jaw or causes you to gag, trim off a little using scissors. You can also use your teeth as a guide for where to trim. If you bit into the mouthguard and can see the impression of your teeth, trim the mouthguard so that it just covers your teeth.
Once you are satisfied with the size, boil the mouthguard to mould it to your teeth. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then remove it from the heat. Carefully submerge the mouthguard in the water for around 30 seconds to 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to lower the mouthguard into the water if it doesn't have a strap. Allow the mouthguard to cool for about 20 seconds, then place it in your mouth and bite down to mould it to your teeth.
If you need to cut the mouthguard after the boiling and moulding process, the edges may be sharp. To avoid this, boil the edges again for a short time and try to smoothen them out in your mouth.
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Dunk in ice water to cool and check the fit
After moulding your mouthguard to your teeth, you should place it in a bowl of ice water. This will help to cool the mouthguard and set its shape. Leave it for a minute or two, then remove it from the ice water and try the fit.
The mouthguard should fit snugly against your top teeth without needing to hold it in place with your tongue, and it should fit naturally into your bottom teeth. If you need to cut off the strap, you can do so now, or remove a removable strap. If the mouthguard feels uncomfortable or ill-fitting, try the process again until you get a proper fit.
If the mouthguard feels too loose after fitting it for the first time, submerge it in cold water again for around 5 seconds. Then, take it back out and use your thumbs and fingers to push in the walls of the mouthguard slightly. Once you submerge it in cold water, the mouthguard should fit snugly.
It's important to clean your mouthguard regularly. After each use, rinse it with cold water and clean it with a toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid exposing your mouthguard to high temperatures, such as direct sunlight or hot water, as this can cause warping. Store your mouthguard in a dry location, in a loose, vented case to prevent bacterial growth.
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Frequently asked questions
First, trim any excess material off the ends of the guard. Then, submerge the guard in boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Remove the guard from the water with a slotted spoon and place it in your mouth. Push the guard against your back molars and bite down for 15-20 seconds. Remove the guard and place it in a bowl of cold water for 1-2 minutes. Find a smooth metal spoon and heat it with a small amount of cooking oil or edible lubricant. Smooth out the rough area with the heated spoon.
If the tear or rip in your mouthguard is severe or continues to cause discomfort, you may need to get a new mouthguard.
Submerge the mouth guard in cold water for 5 seconds. Then, push in the walls around the mouth guard with your thumbs and fingers. The mouth guard should now fit snugly.
Try cutting the mouth guard before boiling it. If you have to cut it after the boiling and fitting process, boil the edges for a short time and try to smoothen them out in your mouth.
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