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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 sports guard 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 dental 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 mouth guard care instructions to keep it in ideal condition.
Mouth Guard Care Instructions
Things to Note
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When you start wearing a new guard for mouth, your body's response is to produce more saliva. This happens because your brain perceives the dental 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.
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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. Looking for a tooth guard to elevate your smile game? Dental Designs clinic can help you.
Instructions for Insertion and Removal
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Always use two hands whenever you place in or remove your dental guard. Gently push the dental 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.
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When placing the dental guard in your mouth, avoid biting down on it. Instead, use your fingers to position it correctly.
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To remove the dental guard, use your fingers to carefully pull it away from your teeth, starting from the back.
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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.
Things to Avoid
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To maintain the integrity of your 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 guard in a hot car, as the interior temperature can rise significantly, potentially warping the dental guard.
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To keep your 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 guard along with the tissue.
- Avoid using or soaking in alcohol-based products to clean your dental guard, such as washing it, as they can damage the material over time, reducing its durability and effectiveness. Instead, use gentle cleaning methods as per the mouth guard care instructions to maintain oral wellness.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing your dental guard.
How do I clean my dental guard?
Read more about cleaning your dental guard.
How do I store my dental guard?
Rinse
Dry
Store
Keep it cool
Pets are often drawn to tooth guards and may see them as toys to play with or chew on. To prevent this, store the guards in a place that is out of reach and inaccessible to pets! By following these mouth guard care instructions, you can ensure that your guard stays clean, hygienic and in good condition for longer.
References
- Simeon P, Unkovskiy A, Saadat Sarmadi B, Nicic R, Koch PJ, Beuer F, Schmidt F. Wear resistance and flexural properties of low force SLA- and DLP-printed splint materials in different printing orientations: An in vitro study. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2024 Apr;152:106458. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106458. Epub 2024 Feb 7. PMID: 38364445.
- Haddad E Borro L, de Queiroz TS, da Cruz BS, Demachkia AM, Borges ALS, Tribst JPM, Paes Junior TJA. Enhancing mouthguard longevity: Impact of surface treatment against aging from brushing and disinfectant exposure. Dent Traumatol. 2024 Mar 8. doi: 10.1111/edt.12941. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38459667.
