Whether a mouthguard must be boiled depends entirely on the specific type of guard purchased, as these protective devices come in several forms designed for different levels of customization and protection. Mouthguards safeguard the teeth, lips, and jaw from impact injuries during sports or damage caused by teeth grinding at night. The process of using heat, often referred to as boiling, is intended for initial fitting and shaping, not as a universal requirement. Understanding the distinctions between the available types is the first step toward achieving a proper, comfortable, and protective fit.
Determining If Boiling Is Necessary
The necessity of boiling a mouthguard is governed by the material and design, falling into three main categories of dental protection. The simplest option is the stock mouthguard, which is pre-formed and ready to wear immediately out of the package. These do not require boiling or shaping. However, they often provide a poor fit, requiring the wearer to clench their jaw to keep the guard in place, which can interfere with breathing and speaking.
The second category is the “boil-and-bite” mouthguard, which utilizes a thermoplastic material, commonly ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This type is designed to be immersed in hot water to temporarily soften the plastic. This allows a user to mold it to the unique contours of their teeth and gums. This heat-based process is necessary to achieve the semi-customized fit that distinguishes it from a stock guard.
The third type is the custom-fitted mouthguard, which is created by a dental professional using a precise impression of the user’s mouth. These guards offer the highest level of protection and comfort, fitting snugly without any need for home adjustments. Attempting to boil a stock guard or a custom-fitted guard will likely result in the material warping or melting, permanently destroying the appliance.
The Proper Method for Shaping a Boil-and-Bite Guard
The process for fitting a boil-and-bite mouthguard begins with heating water to the point of boiling. Some manufacturers advise letting the water cool slightly to a temperature around 175 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent material damage. The specific instructions provided with the guard are paramount, as immersion time dictates how pliable the thermoplastic material becomes. Generally, the guard is submerged using a utensil for a very brief period, often between 25 and 60 seconds, which is just enough time to soften the plastic without causing it to collapse or melt.
Once the guard is removed from the hot water, it must be cooled or drained for a few seconds to prevent burns when placed in the mouth. The softened guard is then carefully centered over the upper teeth, and the user bites down gently but firmly to begin the molding process. Simultaneously, the user must use their fingers to press the plastic firmly against the outside of the teeth and gums, while the tongue presses against the inside surface to eliminate air bubbles and create suction.
This molding phase is brief, typically lasting only about 30 seconds before the material cools and stiffens. To lock the new, customized shape into place, the guard is immediately transferred to a bowl of cold water for at least 30 seconds. A properly fitted guard should stay securely on the upper teeth without being held in place by the jaw or tongue. If the fit is not snug, the entire process can be carefully repeated.
Daily Maintenance and Sanitation
Once the mouthguard is properly fitted, the initial heat-shaping process is complete, and boiling should never be repeated for cleaning purposes. Repeated exposure to high temperatures will degrade the thermoplastic material, compromising the integrity of the plastic and ruining the custom fit that was achieved. Furthermore, boiling for sanitation can cause the guard to become warped and ineffective, potentially reducing its ability to absorb impact and protect the teeth.
Routine cleaning is necessary because the oral environment promotes the growth of microorganisms, and an uncleaned guard can harbor bacteria and fungi. After every use, the mouthguard should be rinsed thoroughly with cool water to remove saliva and loose debris before they dry onto the surface. Daily cleaning involves gently scrubbing the guard using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild, non-abrasive soap or a specialized mouthguard cleaning solution.
The guard should be allowed to air-dry completely before storage in a ventilated, hard-plastic case. This prevents moisture from promoting bacterial growth. Avoiding storage in a sealed container or wrapped in a towel is important, as trapped moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and odors. Mouthguards should be regularly assessed for signs of wear, such as cracks, tears, reduced thickness, or a loose fit. These signs indicate that the protection is compromised and the guard needs replacement.