Dos and Don’ts While Wearing a Mouthguard 

Anyone keen to care for their dental health understands that preventive dental care is paramount for excellent oral health. Any dental expert will encourage you to take different preventive measures to protect your teeth and other oral features from infection or damage. You will want to learn more about mouthguards if you often indulge in intense physical exertions or sporting activities.

What Is a Mouthguard?

It is a mouth protector that guards your teeth and jaw against exterior damage. It features a plastic-like material that cushions your lower or upper teeth, acting as a shock absorber against traumatic force. Mouthguards are quite popular for sportspersons, especially those involved in high-contact sporting activities like:

1. Lacrosse
2. Boxing
3. Wrestling
4. Football
5. Basketball

Do You Need a Mouthguard If You Are Not a Sports Person?

No. At Brightway Dental, we customized mouthguards for all patients, even those not involved in high-contact physical activity. The mouthguards are necessary for any of the following groups of people:

1. Children – especially toddlers who are just learning how to walk or enjoy outdoor playing
2. Patients with certain mental-related disorders
3. Teeth grinding – is also called bruxism and is common among children and some adults. It entails grinding teeth and clenching, usually when sleeping at night.

​Types of Mouthguards

​Before you even learn about taking care of a mouth protector, consider the available types of mouthguards in dentistry:

1. Stock mouthguards – are the most readily available mouth protectors in dentistry. You can find them in any sports goods vendor near me. They usually come in a one-size-fits-all. Therefore, stock mouth protectors can be ill-fitting, making it hard for you to speak or breathe well.
2. Boil and bite mouthguards – feature a thermoplastic material that expands and contracts accordingly when exposed to different temperatures. Therefore, to wear them, you must dip them in hot water before placing them in your mouth. You can use your tongue or finger to align it to your teeth. These mouthguards fit much better than their counterparts, which are readily available over the counter.
3. Custom-fitted mouthguards -are only available when you visit a dental expert. A dentist will take time to develop a mouth protector that fits like a glove by taking impressions of your mouth. Therefore, custom-fitted mouth protectors have the perfect fit, offering optimal protection to your teeth and jaw.

How do You Take Care of Your Mouthguards?

If you want to excel in mouthguard care, there are a few dos and don’ts you must stick to:
Dos While Using a Mouthguard

1. Clean your mouthguard – a lot of bacteria can accumulate in your mouthguard if you wear and remove it without cleaning. Liaise with your dentist about the right cleaning protocols, techniques, and products for your mouth protector.
2. Store your mouthguard in its case – customized mouthguards in Courtice & Oshawa, ON, come with a perforated case to protect them from damage. Besides, you will easily misplace the mouthguard if it is not well stored.
3. Replace your mouthguard accordingly – no matter how high-quality your sports guards are, they are not meant to last forever. Dentists recommend replacing customized mouthguards every 6 months. Keep tabs on their conditions so you know to replace them. Besides, if they are worn out or damaged, they defeat the whole purpose of protecting your teeth and jaw.
4. Keep your head elevated when sleeping with mouthguards. It will keep your mouth in the right position for a comfortable fit.

​Don’ts While Using a Mouthguard

1. Do not trim your dental guard – do not try to customize your mouthguard by yourself. If it is ill-fitting, call your dentist to adjust your mouthguard accordingly. Besides, getting a Custom-fitted mouthguard will avoid the need to trim your mouth protector.
2. Do not eat with your mouthguard – the role of a mouthguard is to protect your mouth. Therefore, if you can eat well with your mouthguard in your mouth, it means it is not getting the job done. Always remove your mouthguard before eating.