How to Use and Clean Your Mouth Guard

Protecting your teeth is one of the best things you can do to avoid any unexpected injuries or deterioration of your enamel. It’s not only about going to a dentist in Dearborn twice a year for your scheduled consult and cleaning. Depending on your hobbies as well as sleeping habits, you might need to use a mouth guard also. 

What is a mouth guard for?

Mouth guards are usually made out of soft plastic. They are mostly recommended to athletes or people that play sports to protect their mouth from being injured. By getting mouth guards in Dearborn, you can protect more than just your teeth. Your tongue, cheeks, and jaw will also benefit. This way, if there’s any impact to your face, the damage to your mouth will be minimal.

Furthermore, if you grind your teeth while you sleep, a dentist might also suggest the use of a mouth guard after you go to a dental clinic in Dearborn. This is a great way to protect your teeth from deterioration. Injuries to your teeth whether it be from sports or grinding might have different consequences. These range from fractured crowns to broken teeth. Furthermore, one or more teeth might even suffer root damage.

Caring for your mouth guard

It’s important that you follow the correct hygiene procedures when it comes to your mouth guard. If you just leave them as they are after you use them, you might be promoting bacterial growth as well as other infectious organisms. If you are wondering “what kind of advice would a dentist near me give me for taking care of my mouth guard?” we might have the answers right here. It’s time to make sure your oral health is not compromised by a neglected mouth guard.

1. Clean it with more than just water

Many people tend to clean their mouth guard by just rinsing it with water. It has been determined that there are links between mouth guard bacteria and other infections. Therefore, you should do a thorough cleaning after getting mouth guards in Dearborn. You will want to use a soft toothbrush with toothpaste to clean your mouth guard. This way you’ll eliminate any accumulated particles. Furthermore, when rinsing it, don’t just use regular water. Soapy water is your best ally here.

2. Use the protective case

Many people lose the protective case the dentist in Dearborn gave them when they first got their mouth guard. Instead of just putting it in one of the pockets in your bag, get a replacement case. Your mouth guard is going to pick up any kind of dirt and particles that will promote bacterial growth. Furthermore, not just any case will do. The ideal one will have sufficient ventilation. This helps to avoid bacterial growth as well. Lastly, don’t forget about cleaning the case itself.

3. Protect it from extreme temperatures

Because most mouth guards are made out of plastic, you should avoid setting them near things with high temperature. Your dentist at your dental clinic in Dearborn, will advise you that their shape is likely to be affected if this happens.

4. Let it go in time

You might have grown used to the mouth guard you’re currently using. However, in time and due to the pressure it endures, it might crack. When this happens, you can go to a dental clinic in Dearborn, where they will probably tell you that you need to get a new one. This is because the cracks are a nest for bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Furthermore, if there are parts of the mouth guard that are not smooth anymore, these could easily break your soft tissue. If this takes place, bacteria will have a direct entrance into your oral cavity.