Mouth guards

Dental Health • October 1, 2024

Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, are often used to protect teeth, lips, and gums from injury from teeth grinding at night during contact sports, or as a part of certain dental procedures, such as tooth bleaching or sleep apnoea treatment. Depending on the application, it may also be called a mouth protector, mouthpiece, gumshield, gum guard, nightguard, occlusal splint, bite splint, or bite plane.

Caring for your mouthguard

1. Rinse your mouth guard with cold water or mouth rinse before and after each use. Or clean it with a mild soap and a toothbrush.

2. Clean the mouth guard in cool, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.

3. Place the mouth guard in a firm, perforated container to store or transport it. This permits air circulation and helps to prevent damage. If the mouth guard is acrylic, keep it in fresh clean water.

4. Clean the mouth guard case thoroughly every day.

5. Protect the mouth guard from high temperatures so the shape doesn’t get messed up.

6. Bring the mouth guard to each regularly scheduled dental visit for examination.