In most contact sports, wearing a mouth guard is the best way to protect your teeth. Mouth guards protect them from damages such as chipping or breaking. Moreover, mouth guards also help prevent any damages on the soft tissue of your jaw.
However, we often forget how to store them correctly after we use it, thus, allowing dirt and bacteria to get stuck and thrive in it. That’s why it’s essential to keep your baseball mouth guard clean all the time. But how do you do it?
Brush and rinse your teeth
It’s essential to practice proper oral hygiene when you’re wearing a mouth guard. Colgate advises its readers to brush and rinse their teeth before and after wearing a mouth guard. Doing so helps clean the teeth and get rid of any bacteria that can get stuck in your mouth. Bear in mind that your mouth is full of various types of bacteria which can contaminate the guard. That’s why it’s essential to brush and rinse your mouth to get rid of any bacteria that may have been on the mouth guard.
Clean it thoroughly
Once you’re done brushing your teeth, it’s now time to use your toothbrush and your mouthwash to clean and scrub your mouth guard. Doing so will help remove any germs and bacteria that might have gotten trapped in the guard. Moreover, Winc Dental also suggests soaking the guard in Polydent or Efferdent to protect your teeth from tartar buildup. Drenching your mouth guard helps slowly deteriorate the tartar buildup as well.
Store it properly
It’s also essential to keep your athletic mouth guard stored adequately. You should keep it in a clean container that is moisture-free and has enough air vents to promote air circulation. You should clean the container using a non-toxic cleaner and warm water to prevent germs from spreading. Also, keep the container dry before placing the guard inside.
On the other hand, you should store the case away in a cabinet or drawers if you have pets at home. There are times when pets chew mouth guards and even eat them.
Don’t leave it inside a hot car.
Intense heat can cause the mouth guard to deteriorate. So, it’s best to keep it away from your car especially during the warm weather. If you’re traveling on a hot day, it’s best to keep it in your purse, backpack, or briefcase and take it with you once you step off the car.
Prioritize your sleep
Most people tend to feel uneasy when they wear mouth guards for short periods. If it prevents you from sleeping, then it’s best to take it off instead. You can try it out again the next night until you’re finally comfortable wearing it for long periods.
Wearing a mouth guard doesn’t just protect your teeth whenever you’re engaged in an active sport. People who suffer from bruxism also use it to protect their teeth from grinding and clenching. Knowing how to maintain your mouth guard won’t just help you extend its longevity but it’ll also protect your teeth from any bacterial growth.
