A toothbrush Toothpaste A medium sized pot for boiling water A slotted spoon A timer that shows minutes and seconds A clean towel A pair of scissors This will help you decide which mouthpiece settings to use Typical bite: your top front teeth slightly overlap your bottom front teeth. Mild underbite: your top front teeth are even with or slightly behind your bottom front teeth. Severe underbite: your top front teeth are very far behind your bottom front teeth. Overbite: your top front teeth are very far in front of your bottom front teeth. It is important that your mouthpiece fits properly in your mouth while you sleep. This ensures safety, comfort and effectiveness. Molding of the mouthpiece typically only needs to be done once. Use your regular toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also use floss if you like. It's important that little bits of food don't get into the mouthpiece and alter the shape of it during fitting. Place enough clean water in the pot to cover the mouthpiece. Bring the water to a simmer or slightly above. Lower the mouthpiece into the water using the slotted spoon. This will help you avoid burning your fingers. You should typically leave the mouthpiece in the boiling water for exactly two minutes. Make sure you start timing immediately. Use the slotted spoon to remove the mouthpiece. Allow the mouthpiece to cool for fifteen seconds. Insert the warm mouthpiece into your mouth. Make sure you are holding your lower jaw forward for the best fit. Bite down on the mouthpiece hard enough to make a solid impression in the plastic. Hold your bite for thirty seconds. Make sure you don't make an impression in the plastic or you might ruin the mold. Let the mouthpiece fully cool before handling it further. Sometimes the molding process creates jagged edges that might hurt your mouth. Trim these but be careful not to trim too much. A dentist with expertise in sleep-related breathing disorders can ensure your mouthpiece fits properly.
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One-sentence summary -- Compile the following equipment. Determine what type of bite you have. Give your mouthpiece a custom fit. Clean your teeth. Boil water. Place the mouthpiece in the water. Set a timer. Remove the mouthpiece. Make an impression in the mouthpiece. Carefully remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Trim any excess plastic pieces using the scissors. See a dentist if you have difficulty.

Antiviral tablets are the most common and typically the most effective means of managing an HSV outbreak. Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you notice any potential symptoms. Let them know that you think you may be experiencing an outbreak, and that you are interested in a prescription for an antiviral. Common prescriptions for herpes include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. If you are not comfortable seeking help from your regular doctor, or if you cannot afford a traditional doctor's office visit, consider visiting a sexual wellness clinic. These clinics specialize in managing sexual health issues, and often have a sliding scale option. Acyclovir comes in a topical cream form that you can put on sores during the primary stages of an outbreak. It does not help manage the overall outbreak in the same manner as the antiviral tablets, but it can help treat some of the burning and discomfort. Wash your hands before and after applying any topical medication to your sores or cleaning them. Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can be taken to help relieve some pain. Consult the packaging of your preferred pain killer for dosage recommendations and take it as advised by the packaging. For teenagers younger than 16, consult your doctor before taking aspirin. There is an increased risk of Reye's Syndrome. Apply a cool compress to the sore areas once every few hours to help temporarily dull the pain and itching. You can buy a cold compress at most drug stores and pharmacies, or you can make your own. To make your own compress, fill a plastic bag with ice. Wrap the bag in a paper towel or thin piece of cloth, and apply it to your skin. Apply the compress for no more than 20 minutes at a time, and be sure to give your skin at least 2-3 hours in between compress treatments to avoid frostbite. Wash your sores gently with soap and warm water during your daily shower, and pat them dry with a clean towel. Do not bandage the sores, but resist the urge to pick at them. Wear loose cotton underwear and clothes to let your sores breathe while they heal.
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One-sentence summary -- Get an antiviral prescription from a doctor. Use a topical cream to reduce discomfort. Use an over-the-counter painkiller to manage discomfort. Apply a cool compress to sores to dull itching and pain. Clean your sores to help them heal.

If you are finding that making minor changes in your diet or reducing your stress levels, for example, talk with your doctor to see if you have a health issue. This might be contributing to your low energy levels. It's a good idea to get annual medical check-ups to monitor your health. Your thyroid produces hormones that impact metabolism and growth. If your thyroid doesn't produce enough of this hormone (hypothyroidism), then your body is left feeling weak and tired all the time. Hypothyroidism commonly affects older adults (over the age of 60). Women are often prone to hypothyroidism during menopause. Anemia, or low iron levels in your body, can affect your energy level and leave you feeling drained. Ask your doctor to check your iron levels. She may prescribe iron supplements or increased intake of foods rich in iron (such as beef, chicken or other meats). Women are especially prone to being anemic, especially during pregnancy. There could be other health issues impacting your energy level. It may be something minor and immediately treatable, such as a urinary tract infection. If you think it may be something more serious, talk to your doctor. Depression and anxiety can contribute to reduced energy levels. If you feel depressed or anxious, consult your doctor or visit a therapist.
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One-sentence summary --
Visit your doctor if simple fixes don't work. Have your thyroid checked. Ask your doctor to check for anemia. Check for other health issues.