Dr Lawson is very gentle and kind. He has a very engaging personality and I was totally at ease with the procedure. He is also very conservative in his evaluations of needed work and will only do what is necessary which will give you the greatest result for your dental health. I feel he is very honest and genuinely cares to serve you in the best way. I reccomend him very highly.
As spring sports seasons kick into high gear, athletes across all age groups are preparing for baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and other activities. That also means you are getting your protective gear ready, too. Your custom-fitted sports guard is a valuable investment in your dental health. However, you can often damage these protective devices through improper maintenance. We’ll explore five game-changing ways to protect and care for your athletic mouthguard that go beyond the basics. By taking time every week for proper maintenance, you can extend its lifespan while ensuring it provides maximum protection.
1. Your Post-Game Cleaning Ritual
That quick rinse under the water fountain after practice isn’t doing your mouthguard any favors. Bacteria from your mouth is transferred to your mouthguard during use. It also begins multiplying rapidly when left in dark, moist environments like your gym bag.
Create a consistent post-game ritual by bringing a small container of mouthwash diluted with water to practices and games. After removing your mouthguard, swish it in this solution for 30 seconds to kill bacteria.
When you arrive home, use a soft toothbrush (dedicated only to your mouthguard) with mild, non-whitening toothpaste to gently clean all surfaces. Pay special attention to textured areas where bacteria hide.
This simple routine prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and stops any unpleasant odors.
2. Be Careful With Sports Drinks
Sports drinks go hand in hand with being an athlete. Unfortunately, the acidic nature of sports drinks creates a double threat to your mouthguard. Any residue on your teeth transfers to your mouthguard, where the acids can break down the material. Then, direct exposure from drinking while wearing your guard creates prolonged contact with these harmful substances. It can result in breaking down the mouthguard material and reducing protection.
You can prevent this damage by removing your mouthguard before drinking anything besides water. You will also want to rinse your mouth with water before reinserting it. For tournaments and long game days, bring a small bottle of alcohol-free mouthwash to use before putting your guard back in after breaks with sports drinks. Consider switching to water during gameplay. Save sports drinks for designated breaks when you can properly manage your mouthguard removal and reinsertion.
3. Perfect Your Storage System
The custom material in your mouthguard remains somewhat responsive to temperature changes long after it’s been molded to your teeth. Leaving it on your car’s dashboard during spring’s warm temperatures or in equipment bags under direct sunlight can alter its shape. This will compromise both its comfort and protection.
Invest in a ventilated case with temperature-resistant features. Choose one with double-wall construction that provides insulation against extreme temperatures. Between games, store your mouthguard at room temperature away from heating vents, sunny windows, or other heat sources. Never leave it in a hot car or inside your equipment bag. During tournament weekends, keep your case in the middle of your bag surrounded by clothing or towels for additional temperature buffering.
4. Replace Yours When Needed
Even with perfect care, every mouthguard has a finite lifespan. Many athletes continue using guards long past their effective protection period simply because they don’t recognize the warning signs. Regularly inspect your mouthguard by holding it up to natural light and looking for thin spots, tears, or perforations that compromise protection.
Test the flexibility of your guard by gently flexing it at the edges. If it feels brittle or cracks appear, the material has deteriorated. If your mouthguard no longer fits snugly or requires you to clench to keep it in place, it’s time for a replacement, regardless of its appearance. For growing adolescent athletes, plan for new impressions every six months to a year to accommodate changing mouth structures. Remember that a properly fitted mouthguard not only protects your teeth but also reduces concussion risk by providing proper shock absorption.
5. Develop a Travel Strategy
Many athletes damage their mouthguards during tournaments or away games simply because they haven’t planned for proper care while traveling. Create a dedicated mouthguard travel kit. Include everything you need to maintain protection away from home. Pack a small bottle of alcohol-free mouthwash, a travel-sized tube of mild toothpaste, a dedicated soft toothbrush, and backup storage cases.
For overnight tournaments, never leave your mouthguard soaking in water or mouthwash overnight in a hotel room. Instead, clean it thoroughly, allow it to dry completely for 20 to 30 minutes, then store it in its ventilated case. Hotel bathrooms can harbor numerous bacteria, so keep your guard in your personal belongings rather than leaving it on countertops. Consider a small UV sanitizer case for travel. These portable devices kill most bacteria in minutes without damaging the mouthguard material.
Is your spring sports season approaching, and you’re unsure if your mouthguard is still providing optimal protection? Schedule a quick 15-minute mouthguard check-up at our office. We’ll ensure it’s in top condition and share any additional ways you can care for your athletic mouthguard.
Call Main Street Dental at Southlands at 303-223-6428 for an appointment in Aurora, CO. You can also request an appointment online.