When it comes to protecting your smile during sports, a custom-fit gel mouthguard is an excellent option. Gel mouthguards mold to the unique shape of your teeth and gums, providing a comfortable, protective barrier. However, like most sports gear, proper care and storage is essential to keep your mouthguard performing at its best. Follow these 15 tips to extend the life of your gel mouthguard for seasons to come.
Proper storage to increase longevity
1. Store in the case. Once your gel mouthguard has been properly molded and fitted, be sure to keep it in the protective case when not in use. The case protects the mouthguard from deformation, tearing or other damage.
2. Avoid high temperatures. Do not leave your mouthguard in direct sunlight or other hot environments like a car on a sunny day. High heat can warp and distort the gel material.
3. Keep away from moisture. It’s important to keep your mouthguard dry to avoid bacterial growth. Let it air dry thoroughly after each use and avoid storing it in damp bags or lockers.
4. Check for defects frequently. Inspect your mouthguard before each use and look for any tears, holes or other defects. If you notice any damage, it’s time to replace it. Using a damaged mouthguard increases your risk of injury.
5. Clean properly. Use mild soap and cool water to gently hand wash your mouthguard after each practice or game. Harsh cleaners can break down the material. A toothbrush can help remove debris from the ridges.
6. Don’t chew on it. Avoid chewing on your mouthguard when it’s not in use during sports. This can weaken the material and shorten its lifespan.
7. Keep away from pets. Pets may mistake your mouthguard for a chew toy. Keep it safely tucked away when not in use and out of reach of curious pets.
8. Watch out for occlusion changes. If you notice changes in your bite over time, your mouthguard may need to be refitted by your dentist. Using an ill-fitting guard increases your risk of injury.
9. Replace annually. Over time, the fit and protective abilities of gel mouthguards can deteriorate. Plan on getting a new custom-fitted guard yearly.
10. Don’t share with others. Sharing mouthguards promotes the spread of bacteria and disease. Never let someone else wear your mouthguard. Make sure coaches disinfect any team-owned guards between uses.
11. Keep it contained. Store your mouthguard in a sealed plastic bag or air-tight container when not in use. This prevents contamination and deformation between practices.
12. Travel safely. When transporting your mouthguard, keep it in the case and pack it in a place it won’t get crushed during travel. Don’t just toss it loose into your gym bag.
13. Handle with clean hands. Always put in and remove your mouthguard with clean, dry hands to avoid introducing bacteria. Avoid handling it if you have open cuts on your hands.
14. Don’t use if ill. If you have a respiratory illness, cold sore or other contagious condition, do not use your mouthguard until it resolves. This helps prevent spreading disease to teammates.
15. See your dentist regularly. Schedule regular dental visits for continued evaluation of your mouthguard’s fit and oral health. Your dentist can also properly clean and disinfect your guard.
With the right care, your custom gel mouthguard can effectively protect your smile season after season. Follow these tips on proper storage, cleaning and handling to get the most out of your protective gear. Be sure to replace it annually or sooner if you notice any defects or damage. Taking good care of your mouthguard means you’ll be ready to take on the field, court or ring with confidence.
Mouthguards are an essential piece of protective gear for contact sports. Custom-fitted gel guards provide the best fit and protection, molding to the unique contours of your teeth. However, even the highest quality mouthguard wears down over time. Knowing when to swap out your old guard for a fresh one is key to staying safe on the field. Follow these tips to identify when it’s time to replace your worn or damaged mouthguard.
When to replace worn or damaged mouthguards
1. Check the fit. If your mouthguard feels loose, doesn’t fit correctly, or falls out easily, it likely needs replacement. As you age, your mouth structure and teeth position shifts, altering the fit. An ill-fitting mouthguard provides less protection.
2. Inspect for tears. Thoroughly examine your guard before each use and look for any tiny tears or perforations in the material. Even small cracks compromise the protective integrity. Toss it out at the first sign of tearing.
3. Watch for permanent indentations. If there are deep bite marks or impressions in your mouthguard that don’t bounce back, the material is probably breaking down. Time to get a new one.
4. Check the edges. Feel along the edges for any roughness or rigidity. Worn edges won’t form the tight seal needed to protect your teeth. Fresh guards have smooth, pliable edges.
5. Note color changes. Over time, your mouthguard will likely fade in color and appear more translucent. Subtle changes indicate the gel is eroding. Replace it at the first signs of deterioration.
6. Consider age. Mouthguard materials degrade over time with normal use. Plan on replacing your gel guard about once per year to maintain ideal protection.
7. Watch for bite changes. If you notice your molars hitting differently, you may have developed an overbite or underbite. See your dentist about getting refitted if the fit seems off.
8. Replace after a dental injury. If you take an impact that chips teeth or causes dental trauma while wearing your mouthguard, swap it out for a new one. The guard may have lost some protective abilities.
9. Keep track of time. Set a reminder to replace your mouthguard after a set amount of months. Most guards should be swapped out about every 12 months.
10. Don’t make repairs. You may be tempted to patch small holes or tears, but this reduces safety. Only use undamaged guards in perfect condition.
11. Toss if contaminated. If your mouthguard gets dropped on the floor or field, it’s best to discard it and get a new one to reduce bacteria risk.
12. Replace after impact. If you take a significant blow to the face, replace your mouthguard even if no visible damage is present. The inner structure may be compromised.
13. Don’t use if ill-fitting. If you gain or lose a substantial amount of weight, visit your dentist to get properly refitted before continuing to use your mouthguard. An improper size leaves you vulnerable.
14. Upgrade as skills improve. As you advance to higher levels of competition, consider investing in a more heavy-duty guard designed for elite play.
15. Don’t borrow from others. Using someone else’s mouthguard promotes spread of bacteria and disease. Always use your own personal guard.
Staying protected as you compete is a top priority. Inspect your mouthguard regularly and look for any wear, tear or improper fit as signals to replace it. Invest in a new custom-fitted gel guard about once per year or any time you notice damage. Protect your smile by always playing with gear in flawless condition.
When suiting up for contact sports, protecting your pearly whites is a top priority. Mouthguards act as a shield, minimizing the risk of injury to teeth, gums, lips and jaw. While traditional vinyl or “boil-and-bite” options have been around for years, today’s gel guards offer superior comfort, fit and protection. Here’s why you should choose gel over old-school mouthguard types.
Why choose gel over traditional vinyl and boil-and-bite guards
1. Better fit. Gel guards mold precisely to your unique tooth anatomy for a snug, gap-free fit. Traditional options just conform generally to teeth shape. Ill-fitting guards move around, reducing protection.
2. More durable. The high-quality gel material is engineered to withstand repeated impact. Vinyl and polyethylene blend guards break down faster with use.
3. Superior comfort. Gel’s pliable feel provides cushioning and minimizes irritation. Rigid plastics feel bulky and uncomfortable over time.
4. Easier breathing. Gel allows for easy talking and unobstructed breathing. Cheap guards restrict air flow and speech.
5. Better shock absorption. Advanced gel composite material dampens and deflects intense impacts from hits and blows during play.
6. Reduced injury risk. When fitted by a dentist, gel guards offer the best protection against dental trauma according to scientific studies.
7. Ability to add thickness. Extra thickness can be added to high impact gel guard areas for those at elevated risk of concussion.
8. Stays put. Properly fitted gel mouthguards rarely dislodge or fall out during intense activity. Loose guards slide around.
9. Won’t distort with heat. No need to boil and potentially warp gel guards to get a better fit. Just use cold water.
10. Allows hydration. Gel material won’t obstruct your airway or absorb water like cheaper vinyl options, allowing you to stay hydrated.
11. Retains shape over time. Gel won’t flatten out and lose efficacy the more you use it like lower quality materials.
12. Resists bacterial growth. Antimicrobial properties of advanced gel guards prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
13. Less time consuming. Get a custom gel guard fitted by your dentist in minutes versus boiling and shaping a traditional mouthguard yourself at home.
14. Provides occlusion support. Gel keeps the jaw, muscles and bite alignment in the proper protective position unlike generic guards.
15. Looks great. Gel comes in stylish colors and designs versus the bulky single-color traditional guards.
For unparalleled protection and the most comfortable fit, gel is the clear choice over cheaper vinyl and “boil-and-bite” mouthguard options. Get custom-fitted by your dentist for a mouthguard that offers superb shock absorption and keeps both your smile and body safe from harm.