A woman putting a clear mouthguard into her mouth

The importance of a mouth guard’s ability to protect your dental health cannot be understated. However, just wearing the mouth guard is not enough. Maintaining your mouth guard’s efficacy and extending its lifespan requires proper care. Hence the team at Halton Denture Clinic would like you to know some pointers for caring for your mouth guard.

 

Cold Water Rinse

Mouth guard rinse

It’s crucial to rinse your mouth guard with cold water after wearing it to get rid of any dirt, bacteria, or saliva that might have gathered on the surface. This action will preserve and keep the materials in good condition and help prevent any undesirable odours.

Any stains or discolouration that may have built up on the surface of your mouth guard can be removed by rinsing it with cold water. By doing this, you can keep your mouth guard fresh and clean. A mouth guard can be cooled down and made more comfortable to wear by rinsing it with cold water. If you have been using it for a long time or in warm weather, this is especially crucial.

 

Regular Washes

It’s crucial to regularly wash your mouth guard with mild soap and water in addition to rinsing it after each use. This also aids in eliminating bacteria, debris and saliva from the mouth guard’s surface. A mouth guard that isn’t cleaned regularly loses its efficacy and becomes less comfortable to wear.

A soft toothbrush can be used to gently scrape the surface and get rid of any tough spots. The material can be harmed and lose its shape if you use hot water or abrasive cleansers, so avoid doing so.

 

Store In a Well-Ventilated Container

It’s crucial to store your mouth guard in a vented container after washing and drying it. This will lessen the chance of mould or mildew and help avoid bacterial growth. Ventilation is also crucial in ensuring that the mouth guard doesn’t receive any moisture damage, causing it to warp and crack.

To prevent warping, cracking, or discolouration, avoid keeping your mouth guard in direct sunlight or extremely hot environments. It is advised to keep your mouth guard in a container with vents or a mesh structure that allows air to flow around it.

 

Do Not Chew

Mouth guard chewing

Mouth guards are not meant to be used as chew toys, but rather to safeguard your teeth and mouth when engaging in physical activity or for teeth grinding. Your mouth guard may become deformed and less functional if you chew on it, providing insufficient protection for your teeth and mouth. Moreover, repeated chewing can degrade the substance over time by wearing it down and decreasing its effectiveness.

 

Avoid High Temperatures

Extreme temperatures may cause your mouth guard’s material to bend, melt, or otherwise change shape, providing insufficient protection for your teeth and mouth. For instance, exposing your mouth guard to direct sunlight or a hot car can make it lose its shape and become ineffective. To ensure that your mouth guard keeps its shape and is still functional, store it somewhere cold, dry, and away from extreme heat.

 

Halton Denture Clinic – Mouth Guards To Protect Your Teeth

Maintaining proper oral hygiene and assuring your mouth guard’s effectiveness in preventing damage to your teeth and mouth depends on how well you take care of it. Its longevity and effective operation can be increased by taking a few easy actions. Remember to speak with your dentist or orthodontist for more detailed instructions on maintaining your specific mouth guard and suggestions on when to change it. Your mouth guard can be a dependable and valuable asset in preserving your dental health if used properly.

Please contact us if you need that extra layer of protection for your teeth. Halton Denture Clinic offers a wide selection of mouth guards for various types of customers. We also provide custom pieces for better fit and increased protection. Set up a consultation to learn more about all the options available to you.