Correcting Initial Mouthguard Fit or Comfort Issues, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basic tips for “breaking in” a new mouthguard and correcting initial fit issues. There are several mouthguard types that will be shaped to your mouth to some degree or another, and this initial period is an important one for helping mold the mouthguard into the long-term protective device you need.

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we’re happy to provide a variety of sports mouthguards, including custom mouthguards that contour directly to the wearer’s mouth. Today’s part two will look at a few other potential issues with initial mouthguard fit, plus how these issues can be corrected easily.

Mouthguard Too Thick

In some cases, particularly if you’ve purchased a boil and bite mouthguard  that isn’t specific to your sport, you may find that the mouthguard is too thick initially.  There may be material in places where it doesn’t need to be, making the mouthguard too bulky and often extremely uncomfortable to wear – some even have issues with breathing or speaking while wearing these mouthguards.

With some mouthguards, you might be able to remove material in places besides the backs of front teeth and the insides of molars, which are the proper coverage sections in the mouth. If this has been an issue with you for multiple mouthguards, however, we strongly recommend a custom mouthguard that’s made specifically for your sport and your mouth. These tend to come with far fewer thickness or comfort issues as the mouth guards are hand made to the anatomy of your teeth, and we make the proper thickness for the sport you play.  A mouth guard for soccer will not be as thick as a mouth guard for MMA.  

Mouthguard Too Long or High

In other situations, you might simply find that your mouthguard – usually a boil-and-bite variety – is a bit too long or high for your particular mouth. In these cases, it’s usually easy enough to trim down the guard in the proper places using some sharp scissors.

If this issue has arisen with a custom mouthguard, the process will be a bit more detailed. Contact our Damage  Control Team, and we will send you a prepaid label to ship the mouth guard to us for any adjustments that need to me made.  

Mouthguard Damage

This isn’t necessarily a “breaking in” issue with most mouthguards, but over time many such items will develop some minor damage due to wear-and-tear. It’s important for athletes to regularly check their mouthguards for any delaminating, rips, tears or other damage – those who are prone to chewing heavily on the mouthguard during use should do this even more often than usual. Highly damaged mouthguards present risks in terms of not only proper protection, but also bacteria entering the area and making is unsanitary for use.

For more on breaking in and solving fit issues with new mouthguards, or to learn about any of our custom mouthguard products, speak to the staff at Damage Control Mouthguards today.