Protective mouthguards are the savior for keeping your teeth, gums, and neck safe while involved with physical activities like sports. With proper placement, a mouthguard can prevent major tooth injuries like broken teeth, twisted jaws, and even concussions. But having a mouthguard isn’t enough; how you use and care for it is just as important.
When misused, it can lose usefulness and cause pain or health problems. This blog post will discuss people’s common mouthguard mistakes and how to avoid them when wearing them for protection.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Mouthguard
Some common types of mouthguards are stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted. Stock mouthguards are ready-made, cheap, and easy to find, but they don’t always fit well and don’t protect well. If you loosen boil-and-bite mouthguards in hot water, you can shape them to your teeth, which is a little better but might not fit best.
Because they are made just for your mouth, professional custom-fitted mouthguards offer the most comfort and safety, but customized mouthguards are more expensive. Still, they are worth it if you want the best safety and effectiveness. Getting a mouthguard that doesn’t fit your needs can be painful, may not protect you well, and may make the whole experience awful.
Poor Fit or Sizing
Not wearing a mouthguard can be worse than having one that doesn’t fit right. It could protect your teeth and mouth better if the mouthguard is tight enough. It can move around or fall out while you’re playing. On the other hand, it can be painful and make it hard to breathe or speak when it’s too tight.
If the mouthguard fits right, it should snugly over your teeth and not hurt or press on them. If you move around, it should stay in place and let you breathe freely. The right fit is essential for comfort and safety, so custom-fitted choices are often suggested. There are several benefits of custom mouthguards and it’s up to you how you benefit from it.
Not Always Putting on the Mouthguard
Many people make the mistake of not wearing a mouthguard during practice or less stressful activities and only doing so during games or other significant events. Injuries are unpredictable and don’t need to occur only during high-stack events. Your teeth and jaw will always be safe if you wear your mouthguard every time, whether you’re just practicing or playing a game.
It’s better to make it a habit to wear your mouthguard every time you do something that could help you avoid common mouthguard mistakes. The best way to prevent accidents is to use them regularly.
Improper Cleaning and Maintenance
As you put on the mouthguards for a more extended period, germs might build their homes if you do not clean them regularly. Not cleaning your teeth regularly can cause bacteria to grow, bad smells, and even mouth illnesses. After each use, rinse your mouthguard with water and brush it with a toothbrush and light soap at least once daily to keep it clean.
Hot water is prohibited on the mouthguard because it can bend, making it less comfortable to wear. To make it even cleaner, you can use a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol. Cleaning and taking care of your mouthguard regularly not only keeps it fresh but also makes it last longer.
Storing the Mouthguard Incorrectly
The best way to keep your mouthguard in good shape is to store it correctly. If you throw it in your gym bag or leave it in the open, dirt, germs, and damage could get to it. Always keep your mouthguard in a clean case with air holes when not in use. The case should have holes in it so air can flow through it, keeping bacteria from growing. The storage case should also be cleaned periodically.
Understanding the importance of custom mouthguards is crucial to proper care. Custom mouthguards are designed to fit your teeth perfectly, providing better protection and comfort. Storing them properly ensures they remain effective and last longer. Putting away your mouthguard correctly keeps it clean and safe from damage and ensures you can use it whenever necessary.
Ignoring Signs of Wear and Tear
Mouthguards break down over time, just like any other safety gear. You may see cracks, shrinking, or changes in color over time. There are clear signs that the mouthguard is worn out and might not protect you as well as it used to. Your teeth and jaw are at risk if your mouthguard is broken and can’t absorb pressure well.
You should check your mouthguard often; if you see any damage, it’s time to get a new one. Ignoring these warning signs can make safety less effective and raise the risk of getting hurt while doing activities.
Using a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Mouthguards aren’t the only thing that doesn’t work well for everyone. It might be easy to use generic mouthguards, but they sometimes need to fit better to protect you adequately. A mouthguard that doesn’t fit right can move around, making breathing or speaking less comfortable and more challenging.
Custom-made protective mouthguards in Darien can offer the best experience. They are easy to use, perfectly fitted, and secure. Instead of depending on a general choice that might not work as well, you should spend money on a unique solution that fits your needs.
Sharing Mouthguards
Sharing a mouthguard might not seem a common mistake, but it’s awful for your health. The spit in close contact with mouthguards can grow germs, viruses, and even fungi on them. It’s more likely that infections and other mouth health problems will spread when you share them.
Everyone should have a mouthguard that fits their needs perfectly. Sharing might seem like a quick fix at the time, but in the long run, it can be awful for your health. Just to be safe for everyone, keep mouthguards private. Always use your own.
Not Consulting a Dental Professional
Sometimes, picking out suitable protective mouthguards in Darien can be a daunting task. It would be best to talk to a dentist to ensure the mouthguard is the right type, fit, and material for your needs. Your dentist can help you decide which type is best for you based on your activity level, the shape of your mouth, and any other oral needs you may have.
Also, they can make a mouthguard that fits you perfectly and protects you better than over-the-counter choices. If you skip this step, you might end up with a mouthguard that doesn’t fit well or doesn’t protect your teeth well enough.
Replacing Mouthguards Too Infrequently
Mouthguards need to be changed often so that they keep working well. The cloth can break down over time, making it less safe and comfortable. For players, a mouthguard should be replaced every season or sooner if there are clear signs of damage. It might be enough for casual users to replace it every year or two.
In addition to regularly replacing your mouthguard, practicing good oral hygiene is essential. Tips like “10 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy” can help maintain dental health using a mouthguard. Getting a new protective mouthguard every so often will keep it in great shape and protect you as much as you need it to.
Cass Dental Care is Perfect for a Protective Mouthguards in Darien
Mouthguards are essential to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw, but there are some common mistakes to avoid with mouthguards to get the most out of them. Key points include:
- Picking the right type.
- Ensuring it fits right.
- Wearing it regularly.
- Taking good care of it.
By not making these mistakes, you can be sure your mouthguard will protect you in the best way possible whenever you need it. Take extra care of your mouthguard, and it will take care of you. Your tooth health is worth it.
