How To Fit A Mouth Guard: 5 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fit a Mouth Guard PDF download Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: November 28, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 707,629 times.

Mouth guards are an important piece of equipment in football, soccer, basketball, and many contact sports.[1] Custom-fitting the rubber against your teeth makes the experience of wearing one much safer and more comfortable.[2] The whole process doesn't take more than a few seconds. See Step 1 for more information, along with insight from board-certified dentist and oral surgeon Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS.

How do you fit a mouth guard?

Board-certified dentist and oral surgeon Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS, advises trimming excess length from the mouth guard with scissors and then boiling it for 30 to 60 seconds. Then, remove the guard with tongs, blot the hot water away, and press it onto your top teeth for about 30 seconds to mold the guard.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Gather the necessary materials. 1 Gather the necessary materials. To properly fit your mouthguard, Dr. Adatrow explains that you'll need:[3]
    • Your mouthguard
    • A pot or saucepan large enough to submerge the mouth guard
    • A stove or heat source to boil water
    • Tongs or another utensil to handle the mouth guard
    • Scissors
    • A bowl of ice water
    • A towel
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Fit a Mouth Guard 2 Trim the mouthguard for length. You may need to trim the ends to make sure your mouthguard fits comfortably and doesn't irritate the back of your mouth. Put it in before you fit it and trim a bit off the ends if necessary. If it pokes into your mouth at the back of your jaw or causes you to gag, trim off a little using scissors. As Dr. Adatrow says, “You can remove excess materials if it extends too far beyond your teeth.”[4]
    • Dr. Adatrow explains that a mouthguard is mostly used to protect your vulnerable front teeth, not your molars, so you've got some wiggle-room as far as the back of the mouthguard goes.[5] Some athletes prefer a more comfortable, short guard that covers the teeth as far as the first molars. Do what's comfortable.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Fit a Mouth Guard 3 Submerge the mouthguard in boiling water. According to Dr. Adatrow, you need enough boiling water to submerge the mouthguard for between 30 and 60 seconds.[6] Start a small pot of boiling water on the stove, or boil some in the microwave.
    • Holding the mouthguard carefully by the end strap, submerge it in the water and let it soften. If your mouthguard doesn't have a strap, or you have already cut it off, drop it in the water and retrieve it with a slotted spoon or tongs.
    • If you have braces or other dental prosthetics, make sure you buy a mouth guard designed for braces, as these have more room to accommodate the wires and brackets.[7]
    • Dr. Adatrow adds, “Do not leave your mouthpiece longer than 60 seconds and follow each mouthpiece time instructions as each one has its own timing.”[8]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Fit a Mouth Guard 4 Remove the mouthguard carefully and place it against your teeth. Quickly blot the mouthguard on the towel and get it into your mouth, adjusting it against your upper teeth. It won't be uncomfortably hot.
    • Using your thumbs, push the mouth guard up and back against your molars. “Bite down gently but firmly on the mouthguard to create an impression of your teeth. Begin with your molars (back teeth) and gradually move to your front teeth. You can use your fingers to press the mouthguard against your teeth and gums for a snug fit. You can also suck out the excess air and saliva to further improve the fit,” explains Dr. Adatrow.[9]
    • Place your tongue against the roof of the mouth to create pressure and achieve a tight fit around your teeth. This shouldn't take more than 30 seconds.
    • Don't chew the mouthguard or move it around in your mouth while you're fitting it.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Fit a Mouth Guard 5 Place the mouthguard in the ice water. “Remove the mouthguard, let it cool further or run cold water over it, and inspect the fit. It should fit snugly to your teeth and gums,” explains Dr. Adatrow.[10] You should not have to hold it with your tongue, and it should fit naturally over your teeth.
    • If you want to cut off the strap, you can do so now, or remove the removable strap.
    • If it feels uncomfortable or ill-fitting, try boiling and shaping it again until you get a proper fit.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question How do you store a mouthguard in between uses? Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Expert Answer To store your mouthguard effectively between uses, selecting the appropriate container is essential. Choose one with ventilation to facilitate drying, or if you opt for a closed container, ensure it is clean and dry before placing the mouthguard inside. You can clean your mouthguard with a toothbrush and mild soap followed by rinsing with cold water and air drying it after every use. Store the container in a dry location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, as high temperatures can alter the mouthguard's material. Additionally, perform regular inspections of your mouthguard for any signs of wear, tears, or alterations in shape. Replacing the mouthguard when you detect such issues is crucial to maintain both its hygiene and function. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
  • Question Do I have to use a new mouth guard, or can I use one I haven't used in a while if I fit it with the steps in the article? Community Answer Community Answer You should get a new one. An old one will not mould well to your teeth as it will likely be dry and cracked. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 22 Helpful 76
  • Question What happens if I chew the mouth guard? Do I need to get a new one? Community Answer Community Answer If you chew the mouth guard, it will become unable to fit your teeth, and you will most likely need a new one. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 30 Helpful 97
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

  • Talk to your orthodontist for instructions if you're worried about your braces.[11] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Dr. Adatrow says to “Always adhere to the specific instructions provided by the mouthguard manufacturer, as timing and details may vary depending on the product.”[12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If the guard is too large for your mouth, try cutting it before you boil it. If you have to cut it afterward, it might have sharp edges that irritate your mouth. If you really have to cut the guard after the boiling and fitting process, then boil the edges again for a short time and try to smooth them out in your mouth. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • If the Mouth Guard feels too loose after you fit it for the first time, submerge it in the water again for 5 seconds. Then, take it back out and slightly push in the walls around the Mouth Guard with your thumbs and fingers. Once you submerge it in the cold water, the Mouth Guard should fit snugly.
  • Consider only putting in enough water to submerge the Mouth Guard. That way, there is no danger of melting the Mouth Guard strap.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • “Do not leave your mouthpiece longer than 60 seconds,” says Dr. Adatrow.[13] It might lump together when you pull it out of the water, and your guard will be ruined. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Blot the mouthguard or run it under cool water before putting it in your mouth to avoid burning your tongue on the water. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fitting mouth guards, check out our in-depth interview with Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS.

References

  1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards
  2. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/mouthguards
  3. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.theorthodontists.com.au/blog/mouthguards-for-braces-how-to-choose-and-mould-your-mouthguard
  8. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
More References (4)
  1. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards
  3. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon. Expert Interview

About This Article

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Co-authored by: Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon This article was co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. This article has been viewed 707,629 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 17 Updated: November 28, 2025 Views: 707,629 Categories: Football | Soccer

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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Article SummaryX

To fit a mouth guard, start by putting it in your mouth and trimming any excess material off of the ends of the guard. Then, submerge the guard in boiling water for 30-60 seconds to soften the plastic. Remove the guard carefully from the water with a slotted spoon, and then put it in your mouth. Use your thumbs to push the guard against your back molars, and bite down firmly for 15-20 seconds to get a good fit. Remove the guard from your mouth and place it in a bowl of cold water for 1-2 minutes to solidify the plastic. If you want to learn how to position the guard in your mouth with your tongue, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Lili H.

    Lili H.

    Jun 21, 2018

    "I just started sparring and my mouth guard has instructions, but it wasn't totally clear. I looked up how to..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Co-authored by: Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Click a star to vote Co-authors: 17 Updated: November 28, 2025 Views: 707,629 Lili H.

Lili H.

Jun 21, 2018

"I just started sparring and my mouth guard has instructions, but it wasn't totally clear. I looked up how to..." more Fetty Wap

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Sep 8, 2016

"Nice and informative, and very easy to understand and read. Easy to access and got straight to the point. The..." more Arthur T.

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"This article helped me on how long it is supposed to cool for." Rated this article: Lucy England

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