At your most recent dental appointment, your dentist may have fit you with a mouth guard, occlusal guard (often called a night guard), or other oral appliance. While it may take some getting used to, with regular use and proper care, your guard will protect your teeth for years to come. Follow these simple steps to care for your guard.
Rinse your guard before putting it in your mouth
You should carry your mouth guard or store your night guard in the small, sturdy, and smooth, perforated box (provided when you purchased your guard) to keep it clean between wearing and to prevent it from damage. Before inserting your guard into your mouth, thoroughly rinse it with cold water so that you don’t inadvertently transfer dirt or debris lodged in the guard into your mouth. It’s a good idea to rinse the storage box and to let it air dry while you wear your guard as well.
Clean and rinse your guard after removing it from your mouth
After removing your guard from your mouth, thoroughly rinse it with cold water to remove dirt, debris, and fluids. To clean a ready-made mouth guard, wash it in warm soapy water, rinse it again, and dry it with a clean, soft towel. To clean a formed guard (either a boil-and-bite mouth guard or a night guard), use your toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to carefully brush both its inside and outside surfaces. Pay special attention to the formed crevices, working the bristles all the way to the bottom of them. Thoroughly rinse your guard after brushing it, and dry it with a clean, soft towel. Keep your guard in its storage box until you need it again.
Check your guard often
Your night guard is designed to withstand the pressure of clenched teeth to protect your teeth. Over time, your guard will become loose and wear out. If not replaced, an ill-fitting guard can cause soreness and irritation to both teeth and gums. A worn-out guard may fail to protect your teeth when you need it most. To ensure that your guard is doing its job, check it often. Notice any gaps or looseness when you’re wearing it. Visually inspect it for thinning, cracking, or for the presence of holes. By checking the condition of your guard regularly, you will know when it needs to be replaced.
Bring your guard to each dental appointment
Some stains or mineral buildup that appear on your guard with normal wear may be difficult to remove with regular cleaning. Small cracks or the thinning of your guard may not be easy to spot even with routine checking. You may not notice small changes to the shape or fit of your guard while wearing it either. To ensure that your guard is as clean as possible, that it is free from damage, and that it fits well and is performing properly, your dentist would like to check it every time you visit. Please bring your mouth guard or night guard in its storage box to all dental appointments. Dr. Osborne or your hygienist will check that your guard is clean, undamaged, and properly fitting for successful continued use.
Ask questions about your guard
Getting used to a mouth or night guard takes time. We know that you may have additional questions after using a new guard a few times. Whether you want advice about alternatives for keeping your guard clean or have questions about the fit of your device, we’re here for you. Feel free to contact Dr. Osborne with any questions or concerns about your mouth guard or night guard.