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How to Use a Mouthguard

Mouth guards, a flexible cover made of plastic worn over the top row of teeth to protect the wearer against trauma to the teeth, are an essential part of sports equipment and safety. Mouth guards are recommended by the American Dental Association for use in hockey, football, skiing, softball, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating, martial arts, skateboarding, bicycling, boxing and field hockey. When properly selected, used and cared for, a mouth guard can protect the wearer against a wide variety of sports-related injuries.

Instructions

Instructions
- 1
  Rinse your mouth guard in cold water before wearing it.
- 2
  Insert the mouth guard so it covers the top row of teeth.
- 3
  Bite down softly to keep the mouth guard in place while playing sports.
- 4
  Rinse the mouth guard in cold water at the end of the sporting event but before cleaning.
- 5
  Clean your mouth guard after each use. Fill a small container with lukewarm water and soap. Submerge the mouth guard for at least several minutes.
- 6
  Lightly scrub the mouth guard with a toothbrush or similar small brush. Do not scrub too hard or you might damage the mouth guard.
- 7
  Rinse the mouth guard in lukewarm water. Dry it by lightly patting it with a towel.

How to Wear a Mouthguard

PIAA Softball Rules