How Should A Mouthguard Fit? (5 Signs To Examine)

A mouthguard is a small yet important piece of equipment for various sports, from football to lacrosse. The mouthguard fit must be precise to do its protective meaning comfortably and effectively. So, how should a mouthguard fit?

A mouthguard should fit among initial molars (covering gums and teeth) and allow breathing, speaking, and drinking by providing the right level of coverage to the mouth. 

The fitting of a mouthguard has to ensure security and comfort while wearing. There are five signs to check if the mouthguard fits right to you. 

Irrespective of the athletic mouthguard type you use, it needs to cling to first and second molars without restricting other actions. 

And if you don’t know the difference between a mouthguard and a nightguard, you should learn the differences and see how it affects the fitting aspect.

Sign 1 – It’s Comfortable

Any external accessory that fits your body needs to assure comfort. The mouthguard needs to limit gums and teeth instead of extending further and interrupting the talk. 

When we talk about comfort, it also means that the material needs to remain soft and tender enough. A soft mouthguard lets you wear it longer and feel convenient. The right thickness promotes easy movement and lowers mouth sores’ chances. Eventually, you can wear the mouthguard without worrying about the likelihood of injuries or other dental issues. 

You should be aware that if you have braces, you can’t use regular mouthguards because they wouldn’t fit well, be comfortable, and pose a safety hazard. That’s why you should use specific mouthguards made for braces.

Sign 2 – It Offers the Right Coverage

A randomly purchased mouthguard does not give your teeth the right degree of coverage. Some fall quickly, and a few others extend to other places of mouth. 

Here is a quick way to check it. 

• Is the mouthguard covering the top portion of teeth?
• Is the mouthguard covering the gum line?

If you answer YES to both questions, it means you are using the perfect mouthguard. 

According to Sporting Smiles, the material of the mouthguard has to limit its entry to the soft palate. Otherwise, it can give excessive coverage and limit other activities. An aptly fitted mouthguard can let your mouth function normally. 

Sign 3 – It Doesen’t Interrupt Activities

Aged and low-quality mouthguards tend to interrupt regular activities of the mouth. Some can even get deeper and interfere with the breathing process. These are clear indicators of an inappropriate mouthguard.

Here’s a quick check to confirm if your mouthguard interferes in your activity or not. 

Wear the mouthguard first and then answer these questions. 

• Can you speak normally?
• Can you breathe normally?
• Do you face difficulties while wearing for long hours?
• Do you bite or clench whenever you wear the mouthguard?
• Do you see any cavities or fractured teeth?
• Do you develop headaches while wearing the mouthguard and talking to someone?

The number of times you said NO reflects the inappropriateness of the mouthguard. Decide it wisely. 

According to Nxtrnd, a perfectly fitted mouthguard does not land you up in teeth grinding disorders. It also alleviates facial pain, jaw pain, and headaches. 

Sign 4 – It’s Free From Wear and Tear

Have you been using a mouthguard for a long time? Perhaps, it does not suit you anymore since it is aging like you and me. 

According to White Horse Dental, it is essential to remove mouthguards that develop wear and tear and ruin the comfort level. 

When you use an old mouthguard, it needs regular cleaning and can potentially cause hazards to teeth. It is advisable to get it replaced with a custom-made mouthguard. 

The advantage of a customized mouthguard is that it sets thoroughly to your mouth and takes all specifications and needs into consideration. 

Replacing the mouthguard twice a year is highly recommended. Before you use the next one, consult a dentist and find out the condition of your teeth. This approach helps in spending on the right mouthguard. 

In addition, you should clean your mouthguard consistently to perceive great hygiene and increase the lifespan of your mouthguard.

Sign 5 – It Is Fitted and Unfitted Rightly

It is not uncommon to see us rushing to remove the mouthguard quickly and not exhibit patience at that time. While you may spend an average of 5 seconds to fit it properly, you may want to remove it in two seconds. This approach can damage the mouthguard faster. 

If you are new to using mouthguards, it is common to miss several instructions that influence the durability of the mouthguard. 

Keeper Sport, in a YouTube video, presented fitting instructions to use a mouthguard appropriately and extend its lifetime.

It is also good to leave the mouthguard in a bowl of cold water for a minute as soon as you remove it. This method improves the overall retention and life of the mouthguard.

Look for these signs whenever you use a mouthguard. It saves your teeth, peace of mind, and your pocket. 

How Tight Should a Mouthguard Be?

A mouthguard needs to fit just between the top teeth and beneath the gum line, neither tight nor loose. A snug fit is recommended for a nightguard as it secures teeth and supports the jaw. 

If your mouthguard is too tight, you can find stress and sensitivity in your teeth. If it is too loose, it can fall off regularly and become unusable after some point. If it is close-fitting, assess the comfort level. 

Should I Be Able to Close My Mouth With a Mouthguard?

You should be able to close your mouth, speak normally, and breathe normally when you use a mouthguard. Unless you have a custom-made mouthguard to cover a specific part of the mouth, general mouthguards need to enable comfortability. 

Why Doesen’t a Mouthguard Fit?

Your mouthguard isn’t fitting if you have purchased an oversized one, fitting wrongly, or made for a different purpose. A properly fitting mouthguard never floats within your mouth. It stays intact and permits any action involving your mouth.

Tap Out Mouth Guard has an exclusive video on YouTube demonstrating the perfect way to fit it right. The video stresses the importance of boiling the guard for 30 seconds before wearing it to achieve flexibility and comfort.

What to Do If The Mouthguard Is Too Big?

A big mouthguard can be trimmed on its edges with a pair of scissors to let it stay intact. Sometimes, it can also imply wear and tear when the only option is to replace it. 

If you expand the mouthguard each time you remove it from your mouth, you are more likely to face the issue.

Mouthguards are required for many sports, so it’s very important to make sure they fit properly. If it doesen’t, your teeth and gums are in danger of getting injured from a hit to your face. By following the instructions above, I’m certain that your experience will be safe and comfortable!