Gear Care

How to old Your Mouthpiece

What you need:

• New mouthpiece
• Tongs
• Pot (to boil water in)
• Bowl (for cold water)
• Scissors
• Timer

What to do:

1. Put approximately two to three inches of water in the pot and bring the water to a boil.

2. While waiting for the water to boil try on the mouthpiece to see if it fits. If it hits too far back in the mouth, cut off small amounts from each side until it is comfortable.

3. If the mouthpiece hits too far up in front of the teeth, trim off the excess until it is comfortable.

4. Fill a small bowl with cold water, and set nearby. (You can place an ice cube in the bowl to ensure that it is cold.)

5. Set the timer for 7 seconds for a kid-sized mouthpiece, and 11 seconds for an adult-sized mouthpiece. When the water comes to a boil drop the mouthpiece in the boiling water and start timer.

   

6. When the time is done remove mouthpiece with tongs, and place it in your mouth. IT IS NOT HOT!

7. Bite down on the mouthpiece, and suck in like you're sucking on a straw. (Make sure you do it quickly.)

8. Keep biting for about 15 seconds, then take the mouthpiece out and place it in the bowl of cold water.

9. Wait for about 30 seconds or until the mouthpiece is completely cool. If the mouthpiece fits, then you are done. If it does not fit, you can repeat steps 5-9.

Other Tips:

• For boys: Always wear your cup to class. You must have it on at the beginning of class. Do not wait until we are putting on our gear for sparring to put your cup on.

• Always bring all of your gear to class. It is your responsibility, not anyone else's. (Kids, this means that you cannot blame your parents for not having your gear.)

• Label all of your gear (except mouthpiece) with your name using a permanent marker. Label your gear bag and mouthpiece holder in the same manner.

• When any of your red gear (head, hand, shin, or foot) becomes ripped or is too small, it may need to be replaced. (Ask your instructor to help you decide whether or not you need to replace any gear. This is especially important for testing and tournaments. At a tournament if your gear has any rips in it, you may not be allowed to spar. It is dangerous for you and your partner.)

• When sparring do not chew on your mouthpiece, it may cause it to rip.

• If you do not have your gear for class you WILL do 100 push-ups.

• Your gear may be washed on a regular basis:
  • For everything but the mouthpiece, elbow pads, and cup you can use a Clorox wipe or equivalent.
  • Elbow pads and cup band may be washed in the washing machine and air dried.
  • Mouthpieces may be brushed with toothpaste.

• When removing your gear always place it back into your gear bag. This reduces the risk of your gear getting lost! Should you lose your gear, ask an instructor for assistance in finding it.

• Do not leave your gear in the car. The heat and cold with mess up your gear.