When should you replace your mouthguard? a guide to longevity

Mouth guards are protective dental tools made of high-quality plastic. However, no matter how durable they are, over time they need to be replaced. Otherwise, you end up compromising your safety!

Generally, there is a common perception that they should be replaced annually, however, that's not the complete picture. There are several indicators and times when changing your mouth guards becomes necessary.

It must be intriguing, right? How would you know they need to be replaced? If this is the case, don't worry—we have got your back! Let's dive into the blog to learn the signs your mouth guards need to be replaced and some important tips to prolong their lifespan.

Night guards vs. sports guards

To move forward with clarity, let's overview the primary difference between night guards and sports guards. To start with, their purposes are entirely different. Night guards offer protection from teeth grinding and crushing during the night.

On the other hand, sports guards act as cushions to protect the teeth, gums, jaws, and oral cavity from external pressure. They are typically worn during athletic activities or other interactive physical activities or games.

Signs to replace your mouth guards

Here are some signs that are valid for both the night and sports mouth guards. If you observe any of these signs, quickly place your order for new guards.

Closely examine your mouth guards

The foremost step should be to thoroughly examine the mouth guards yourself. There are two approaches to do so, either you can look visually for the given signs or do a sniff test.

Visual test
This is the simplest approach to look for some evident causes to replace your mouth guards. Take your mouth guards, wash them thoroughly, and dry them. Once thoroughly cleaned, hold them close and look for the following indicators:

Wear and tear
Due to frequent usage, the mouth guards are susceptible to deterioration. While you observe them, look for any signs of material thinness, holes, cracks, bite marks, or any sort of visible damage.

Pro tip: Pay heed to the back of mouth guards, especially in the case of night guards, as they are the most vulnerable to the pressure exerted by molar teeth.

Stains or discouloration
Observance of any stains or discolouration indicates bacterial buildup or inadequate maintenance due to improper cleaning methods.

Sniff test
Sometimes visual inspections alone aren't enough to ensure certainty in decision. Here's a simple solution to fade away your confusion. Simply do a sniff test! If mouth guards are stinking despite regularly cleaning then, it is deduced that it may be due to bacterial escalation.

Look for changes in oral framework

Our bodies are in a constantly evolving stage, causing changes in oral framework that may or may not be visible. However, such changes result in uncomfortable fitting of the mouth guards.

This discomfort can be tracked down to the given causes:

Changes in your teeth or bite
With aging there are probabilities of subtle teeth shifting, consequently changing your bite. Hence it may be causing discomfort and bothering the fit of mouth guards.

Other times, you may have new teeth grown or tooth loss which might be the cause of unfit guards. In both scenarios, changing mouth guards is a must.

Pro insight: In the case of growing kids, changes in bite and teeth are more frequent, demanding replacement every 6 months or a year.

Jaw growth
During your early teens to twenties, your jaw shape is vulnerable to change resulting in overbite, underbite, or other changes. Moreover, during orthodontic treatments your jaw undergoes changes. So, to ensure the comfort of your mouth and prevent soreness or tightness, swap your mouth guards with new ones.

Reduced comfort and fit

Protection and comfort of your mouth should always be your priority. Apart from changes in bite, teeth, or wear and tear there may be discomfort due to deformed guards.

Deformation may occur due to frequent usage or pressure exerted by teeth that may deform the material and warp shape. Moreover, recurrent chewing of the mouth guards, typically done by athletes, deform the guards way earlier than their life span.

Deformed mouth guards may result in discomfort. If you observe any of the given indicators, connect with your dentist or a nearby service provider like Caspersmile and get a pair of new guards.

• Loose fit
• Tightness
• Soreness
• Limited protection
• Discomfort
• Irritation
• Sensitivity
• Difficult communication
• Obstruct breathing

Dental work

If you are undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment like braces, retainers, crowning, tooth extractions, or fillings then change your guards periodically.

Replacing in this case is a must since all these treatment directly impacts your oral framework and internal dimensions. Not replacing may just not cause discomfort but may also exacerbate your dental illness or hinder undergoing treatment.

Follow the lifespan

Every product has a shelf life. Either read the given manual or ask the retailer/dentist about the lifespan of the mouth guards. Once the guards have completed their time, replace them immediately.

Specifying the lifespan or longevity of the guards at this point isn't possible as it may vary according to the quality, type, material used, and other factors. However, on average, it is recommended to replace them after 6-12 months especially if you are a teenager, athlete, or someone who excessively grinds their teeth.

FAQs

How can I extend the longevity of my mouth guards?

It's simple. Just take care of the cleanliness of your guards to avoid bacterial buildup, staining, and stinking. A pro tip here is to clean them with tap water after every use. You can also use a toothbrush and regular toothpaste for effective results.

What should I look for in mouth guards?

First, look at the quality and thickness of mouth guard. Then check their cost, whether they are at a market-competitive cost. Lastly, check the credibility of the provider and read reviews before trusting them.