How to Adjust a Football Mouthpiece

Last Updated: August 27, 2019

Recommended for most youth players under the age of 11. In order for a youth football mouthpiece to protect, fit, and last, it must be worn properly on the teeth and gums as indicated in the fitting instructions. If any mouth guard is not worn properly and /or is chewed, its protection, fit, and durability will be greatly diminished.

Steps

1
Fill saucepan with water and bring water to a boil.^{[1]
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2
Remove water from heat source. Let water stand for 30 seconds.^{[2]
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3
Place football mouthpiece in water for 90 seconds. Do not exceed heating time.
4
Carefully remove mouth guard from hot water with a slotted spoon.^{[3]
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5
Cool mouth guard under tap water for one second only to bring surface temperature to a comfortable level. Quickly proceed to step 6.^{[4]
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6
Carefully place football mouthpiece around all upper teeth. Bite down firmly into mouth guard while, suck in strongly and use fingers to press edges of mouth guard into teeth and gum line through the lips and cheeks (continue for 20 seconds).^{[5]
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7
Remove the football mouthpiece and cool under tap water for 30 seconds. Replace into mouth and test for a good firm fit.
8
Repeat steps 1 through 5 if fit is not accurate.

Community Q&A

Question

What if I fit the mouthpiece upside down?

Community Answer

You will probably need to start over with a new one.
Question

Does the mouth guard protect the upper or lower teeth?

Community Answer

There are different kinds. Some only cover the upper teeth, some are full guards that cover both.
Question

Is this for both mouth pieces?

Community Answer

Yes.

Warnings

Even with allowing the mouthpiece to cool, it still will be quite warm, especially for people with sensitive mouths.

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Helpful 8 Not Helpful 3
If the mouthpiece does not have a strap what connects to the helmet there is a chance of choking on the mouthpiece.

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