Alright, guys, let’s talk about something that’s super important for all you football players out there – your mouthguard. Yeah, that little piece of plastic that saves your teeth from getting knocked out. Today, I wanna share my personal experience on how I boil my mouthguard to get that perfect fit.
First things first, you gotta grab a pot. Not too big, not too small, just something that’ll comfortably hold your mouthguard and enough water to cover it. I usually fill mine with about a quart of water, give or take. The key here is to make sure your mouthguard can be fully submerged. But I have to say, I did a small mistake, don’t use a big pot like me, it’s such a waste for me!
Next, I bring that water to a boil. You can do this on the stove, or if you’re impatient like me, you can nuke it in the microwave. If you go the microwave route, I’ve found that about 4-5 minutes usually does the trick. You want that water bubbling hot, but here’s the catch – you don’t want to literally boil your mouthguard in it. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and that’s hot enough to warp your mouthguard into a useless mess. So it should be better to boil the water first, then turn off the stove.
Boiling Water
- Fill a pot with enough water to cover the mouthguard.
- Bring the water to a boil on the stove or in the microwave.
- Make sure the water is hot, but don’t let it stay boiling.
Once the water’s ready, I take my mouthguard and carefully drop it in. Now, this is important – if you’ve got braces or any other dental work, only leave it in for about 30 seconds. Otherwise, you can let it soak for up to 60 seconds. I usually aim for somewhere in the middle, around 45 seconds, just to be safe.
After its little hot tub session, I fish out the mouthguard with a spoon or something – don’t burn yourself, folks. Then, I quickly rinse it under cold water for a second or two. This helps cool it down just enough so you don’t scorch your mouth when you put it in. And I tried, it was very very hot!
Next comes the fun part – molding it to your teeth. I pop that bad boy in my mouth, bite down firmly, and suck in like I’m trying to drink a super thick milkshake. I keep it like that for another 45 seconds to a minute, really pressing it against my teeth and gums with my fingers and tongue. This is what gives you that custom fit that feels like it was made just for you.
Molding the Mouthguard
- Carefully remove the mouthguard from the hot water.
- Rinse it under cold water for a second or two.
- Bite down firmly and suck in for 45-60 seconds.
- Press the mouthguard against your teeth and gums for a custom fit.
Once that’s done, I take it out and run it under cold water again to set the shape. And voila, you’ve got yourself a perfectly molded mouthguard that’s ready to protect your pearly whites on the field. It might take a couple of tries to get it just right, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. A good-fitting mouthguard is way more comfortable and way more likely to actually do its job when you take a hit.
So that’s my method, guys. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s saved me from a lot of potential dental disasters. Remember, a properly fitted mouthguard is your best friend out there on the gridiron. Take care of it, and it’ll take care of you. Stay safe, play hard, and keep those smiles intact!
