A night guard shields your teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep, a condition called bruxism,. Teeth grinding can harm your teeth over time if not addressed. A mouth guard for sports cushions your teeth from impacts during physical activities, lowering the risk of dental injuries like fractures or tooth loss.
Therefore, it's only fair that we take proper care of these mouth guards to prolong their lifespan and continue to enjoy the protection they provide for your teeth. Regular cleaning is vital to prevent bacterial growth, which can lead to infections or bad breath. In this article, we'll explore the recommended practices for storing, cleaning and maintaining your mouth guard to keep it in ideal condition.
When you start wearing a new mouth guard, your body's response is to produce more saliva. This happens because your brain perceives the mouth guard as a foreign object, similar to food and responds by increasing saliva production. As a result, you might experience some excess saliva in the first couple of weeks, which could lead to drooling, especially while you sleep. This increase in saliva is temporary. So, while it may be a bit uncomfortable at first, it's a natural response that will diminish over time.
It's important to remember to bring your night guard with you to your dental appointments, especially if you're scheduled for any restorative work, such as fillings or crowns. Your dentist needs to check how your night guard fits with any new dental work to ensure everything aligns correctly.
Always use two hands whenever you place in or remove your mouth guard. Gently push the mouth guard onto your upper teeth using your fingers, making sure it fits snugly. Avoid twisting or pulling it to one side, as this could damage it.
When placing the mouth guard in your mouth, avoid biting down on it. Instead, use your fingers to position it correctly.
To remove the mouth guard, use your fingers to carefully pull it away from your teeth, starting from the back.
It's recommended to wear your night guard throughout the night for optimal protection. However, if you find it challenging to adjust to wearing it for the entire night initially, you can gradually increase the wearing time. Start by wearing it for a few hours and gradually work up to wearing it for the full night. This gradual approach can help you acclimate to wearing the night guard while still receiving its benefits for your dental health.
To maintain the integrity of your mouth guard, avoid exposing it to extreme heat. This means refraining from placing it in boiling/hot water or a dishwasher. Additionally, be mindful not to leave your mouth guard in a hot car, as the interior temperature can rise significantly, potentially warping the mouth guard.
To keep your mouth guard safe and clean when not in use, store it in a designated case or container. Avoid placing it on top of disposable items like tissue paper, as it can be easy to accidentally dispose of the mouth guard along with the tissue.