MMA athletes need to care about their sanitary conditions so you need to be interested in how to boil a mouthguard. They are often prone to bacteria actively residing and multiplying within the crevices of teeth.
Let’s discuss in-depth and understand how a mouthguard works and why is it used?
Mouthguard uses
A mouthguard is a device that is fitted between one’s teeth and is often used as a stopgap for a genetic disorder known as bruxism. Bruxism is simply the tight clenching of teeth which may cause internal damage and may lead to jaw problems down the line.
Therefore, trained practitioners often recommend this product to those prone to this disorder.
Sometimes mouth guards are used as a preventive tool for athletes so that they are less likely to obtain contact injuries to the teeth. In this article, we will be discussing the latter.
Mouthguards for aspiring MMA fighters
In Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), UFC fighters wear custom-fit mouthguards with a 6 mm thickness in order to protect them from the fiercest of attacks. These mouthguards are made by dental experts and align with each individual’s unique physiology.
These custom-made mouthguards are worth the money because they protect the mouth and everything in it and protect the head from potential concussions.
Is it safe to boil your mouthguard?
Now the question arises whether or not one should be boiling their mouthguard. The answer is that it completely depends on the type of product. However, this much is ascertained that continuous boiling is not okay.
The reason why individuals boil mouthguards is for the following reasons:
1. To sanitize the mouthguard;
2. To ease the fitting of a boil and bite mouthguard.
Boil and bite mouthguards, as the name suggests, are safe to boil. However, it should be noted that intense heat will alter and destroy the internal structure of this product. Therefore, it should not be submerged in boiling water for more than 20 seconds.
How to boil a mouthguard. A step by step process
We can proceed to the boiling phase now that we accurately gauge the function and type of mouthguards.
The apparatus that is required for this is as follows:
• Boiling dish
• Bowl of ice water
• Timer
• Retrieval device
1. Place the mouthguard in pre-boiled water. It must be completely submerged for around 20 seconds and must not touch the sides of the boiling instrument.
2. Remove the mouthguard using a retrieval device such as a spoon or thongs and place it in a bowl of ice for 3 seconds.
3. After doing so, place it immediately in the mouth. Use your tongue to fit it tightly against your teeth and suck all the excess air and water for a more comfortable fit. Refrain from biting down on it.
4. Afterward, remove it slowly and gently place it in cold water for 5 minutes for it to harden.
Note: the mouthguard must be comfortable to wear. If there are unnecessary bumps, you should go back to the practitioner for remolding.
Conclusion
Proper care for your mouthguard will undoubtedly lengthen its lifespan. When you invest your time and money for your oral safety, a few extra care procedures are vital to ensure that this investment is well protected.
Naturally, the first step is always the most important one.
