In the heat of the game, your focus is on outmanoeuvring your opponents and securing that winning goal. But amidst the adrenaline and excitement, it’s easy to overlook a crucial piece of equipment: your mouth guard.

A mouth guard is an athlete’s best friend, shielding your teeth and jaw from impact. But like any piece of sports gear, it doesn’t last forever – and knowing when to replace your mouth guard is vital for ensuring that you’re always getting the maximum level of protection.

A worn or damaged mouth guard can leave you vulnerable to dental injuries, concussions, and even jaw fractures. Don’t let a neglected mouth guard side-line you!
In this blog post, we’ll explore the various tell-tale signs that replacing your mouth guard is on the horizon. and offer tips on how to extend its lifespan. Here’s what you should know about when to get a new mouth guard…

Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Mouth Guard

How can you tell if your trusty mouth guard has reached its retirement age? Here are some key indicators:

Visible Damage and Wear

Signs of mouth guard wear is the most obvious sign that it’s time to start thinking about replacing your mouth guard. Take a close look at your mouth guard for:

  • Cracks or splits: Even small cracks can compromise the structural integrity of your mouth guard, making it less effective at absorbing impact.
  • Tears or holes: These are clear signs of wear and tear and significantly reduce the level of protection.
  • Thinning material: Over time, the material of your mouth guard can thin out, especially in areas that receive the most impact. This thinning weakens the guard and makes it more susceptible to damage.

If you see any of these visible signs, you should contact us immediately for a replacement!

Discomfort or Poor Fit

A mouth guard that once fit snugly might start to feel uncomfortable or loose. This could be due to:

  • Warping: Exposure to heat or changes in pressure can cause the mouth guard to warp and lose its shape, thus resulting in a poor fit.
  • Changes in your mouth: Even subtle shifts in your teeth alignment can affect the fit of your mouth guard.l.

A poorly fitting mouth guard is not only uncomfortable, but also less effective in protecting your teeth and jaw. Do your due diligence!

Changes in Your Oral Health or Dental Structure

Life happens, and sometimes our mouths change! Consider these scenarios:

  • Orthodontic treatment: If you’ve started wearing braces or had adjustments made, your mouth guard will likely no longer fit properly (see mouthguards for braces).
  • New dental work: Fillings, crowns, or other dental work can alter the shape of your teeth and affect the fit of your mouth guard.
  • Changes in bite: Even without orthodontic work, your bite can change over time due to factors like teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

In any of these cases, it’s crucial to get a new mouth guard that accurately reflects your current dental structure.

Caring for Your Mouth Guard to Extend Its Life

Want to keep your mouth guard in top condition for even longer? Follow these simple care tips:

  • Clean it after every use: Rinse your mouth guard with cool water and a mild soap or toothpaste. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material.
  • Store it properly: Keep your mouth guard in a well-ventilated case when not in use. This prevents the build-up of bacteria and helps to maintain its shape.
  • Avoid chewing on it: While it might be tempting to chew on your mouth guard, this can cause damage and wear it down prematurely.
  • Keep it away from heat: Don’t leave your mouth guard in direct sunlight or in a hot car, as this can cause it to warp.

Following these simple tips can help you to extend the life of your mouth guard so that it continues to provide optimal protection.

To learn more about the quality and care that goes into crafting a custom mouth guard, check out our: how it works page.

Replacing Your Mouth Guard with Mobile Mouthguards

When you need to start thinking about replacing your mouth guard, give us a call;

Mobile Mouthguards make it easy! We offer a wide range of custom mouthguards tailored to specific sports and dental needs – and our team uses the latest 3Shape TRIOS scanner for a precise and comfortable fit.

Do you think it might be time to replace your old mouth guard? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!