A boil and bite mouthguard is one of the smartest investments you can make for a young athlete. It gives a custom, comfortable fit without the cost of a dentist-made guard. But a lot of parents and athletes do it wrong the first time and end up with a guard that feels loose, bulky, or uncomfortable. This guide walks through exactly how to boil and bite a mouthguard so it fits right the first time.

What You Need

All you need is a pot of water, a bowl of cold water, and a pair of tongs or a fork. That is it. The whole process takes about five minutes.

Step by Step: How to Boil and Bite a Mouthguard

Step 1: Boil the water. Bring a pot of water to a full boil. You want the water hot enough to fully soften the guard so it molds cleanly.

Step 2: Soften the guard. Using tongs, submerge the mouthguard in the boiling water for 30 to 45 seconds. The guard will become soft and pliable. Do not leave it in longer than the instructions recommend or it can over-soften and lose its shape.

Step 3: Cool briefly. Remove the guard and let it cool for about 3 seconds. You want it soft enough to mold but not so hot it burns your mouth.

Step 4: Bite down. Place the guard in your mouth, center it on your upper teeth, and bite down firmly. Use your fingers to press the guard against your teeth and gums from the outside. Suck in gently to help it conform to the shape of your mouth. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 5: Set in cold water. Remove the guard carefully and place it immediately in the bowl of cold water for 30 seconds to lock in the shape.

Step 6: Check the fit. Put the guard back in. It should fit snugly on your upper teeth without you having to bite down to hold it in place. If it feels loose or uncomfortable, you can redo the process one more time.

Tips for the Best Fit

For younger athletes with smaller mouths, the fit matters even more. A guard that is too large will feel intrusive and get taken out. Size down if the guard covers more than the molars. For FANGZ guards, Small fits ages 10 and under and Large fits ages 11 and up. When in doubt, size up and let the boil and bite fit do the work.

Make sure your athlete bites down and presses the guard with their fingers at the same time. Skipping the finger press is the most common mistake and results in a looser fit.

How Often Should You Replace a Mouthguard

Youth athletes should replace their mouthguard at least once per season or any time the fit feels off. As kids grow, their teeth shift and a guard that fit perfectly in the fall may not fit as well by spring. A quick reboil can sometimes restore the fit. If not, it is time for a new one.

Keep It Clean with the GAMEDAY CASE

After every game and practice, rinse the guard with cold water and store it in a ventilated case. The FANGZ GAMEDAY CASE has a built-in carabiner clip so it hooks to any bag and breathable vent holes that keep it fresh between uses. Never store a mouthguard in a hot car or sealed bag where bacteria can grow.

Shop FANGZ mouthguards and the GAMEDAY CASE at fangzmouthguards.com.