It might not be a sexy accessory, and it won’t get the attention of teeth whitening, but wearing a mouth guard is one of the best things you can do to protect the health of your teeth.
Whether it protects your teeth from teeth grinding when you sleep, or dental injuries when you play, your custom mouth guard provides great insurance against costly dental damage.
Taking care of your mouth guard, so that you can maximize its benefits, might be the second best thing you do! Here are some tips to maintain and enhance the longevity of your mouth guard.
7 Tips to Care for & Maximize the Benefits of Your Mouth Guard!
- Rinse It After You Wear It – When you’re finished wearing your night guard or sports mouth guard, rinse it out as soon as possible in warm water – not hot. This helps clean away any debris on your mouth guard, and it also prevents bacteria and plaque from building up on it.
- Brush it With Your Toothbrush – After you rinse your mouth guard, gently scrub it with a toothbrush to take away any lingering plaque or saliva. You may use a soft toothpaste as well, but don’t use an abrasive toothpaste as this can scratch the plastic. After you brush it, rinse it again with water to wash away any of the toothpaste and saliva. * Some people prefer to use a separate toothbrush just for cleaning their mouth guard.
- Give It a Weekly Cleaning – As part of your oral hygiene routine, give your mouth guard a more thorough weekly cleaning. Here are several options: Use Denture Cleaning Tablets – Put your night guard in a bowl of water, add the tablet and allow it to dissolve completely; or try an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner – It’s non-abrasive and safe for long-term use, but please follow the manufacturer’s suggested instructions.
- Dry It Out – After every rinsing or cleaning, let your mouth guard air dry completely on a clean surface before you store it. It takes about 15-20 minutes to dry. Allowing it to completely dry before placing it back in its case will prevent bacteria from growing within the case.
- Keep It In the Case – Put your night guard in its case when you’re finished using it. This will lower the risk of losing, misplacing or damaging it. Keep the case close to your sleeping area as well, such as on a nightstand, as this will make it easier for you to remember to use it before you fall asleep. Note: Some people prefer to store their nightguards in a glass of cold water. That’s OK, but do be mindful to clean that glass regularly too, as it will accumulate bacteria and germs over time.
- Don’t Forget to Clean the Case – Don’t waste your cleaning efforts by putting a clean mouth guard into a dirty case. Keep your case clean too by hand washing it every few days with either a regular dishwashing soap, or castile soap. Allow the case to fully dry to prevent bacteria growth. Note: Don’t clean the case in the dishwasher, as the high temperature may melt it.
- Keep it Away from Your Dog – If you have a dog, keep your mouth guard hidden from your furry friend. Dogs love chewing mouth guards! They’re chewy, and the mouth guard will smell like you too, because it has the scent of your saliva. If you have a dog, store your night guard someplace that’s not too easy for your friend to grab – otherwise you’re likely to find a chewed up case, containing the remnants of your mouth guard.
Night or day, your mouth guard works hard to protect your teeth. If you take just a little time to care for it, this will help maintain its functionality, improve its longevity and serve you well.
Unlike store bought night guards, our custom guards are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth, They will be made to form to the unique size and shape of your teeth. And they’re acrylic, so they’re tough and typically last for around 5 years.
If you’ve used store bought sports or night guards, and you’re ready to feel the difference, please contact us to learn more about our custom designed night guards and sports guards.
Not sure if you’re damaging your teeth when you sleep? We can examine your teeth to see if you have any signs of teeth grinding. Ask us about our mouth guards during your next visit, or give us a call at (206) 242-0066 to schedule a consultation. You may also reach out to us online!
