Do you wear a dental guard to protect your teeth from harm? Whether you wear a mouthguard while playing sports to lessen the impact of blows to the face or to prevent tooth grinding while you sleep, it’s important to take good care of your investment. Read on for more information on how to properly care for your dental guard in Deer Park so you reap the benefits to the fullest.
Don’t Forget to Wear Your Mouthguard to Bed
If your dentist gave you a mouthguard to protect your teeth from grinding together while you sleep, don’t let habits like nodding off on the couch after dinner keep you from wearing it every night. Doing this may leave you susceptible to the effects of bruxism, such as sore jaw joints and enamel erosion. To combat this, set a reminder on your phone to put in your night guard, or store it in a protective case near the couch so it will be nearby when you take your post-supper nap.
Take Care of Your Dental Guard
Luckily, there’s not much maintenance involved in caring for your night guard. Even so, you should still make sure you’re taking care of it so it lasts as long as possible by doing the following:
- Rinse it off – Use mouthwash or cold water after every use, and wash the storage case every few days with regular dishwashing detergent.
- Dry it out – Let your night guard completely dry on a clean surface before storing it.
- Safely store it – Keep your mouthguard in a hard, protective case with air circulation.
- Avoid hot water – Don’t use hot water or a dishwasher to clean your dental guard or storage case as this can melt or warp the plastic.
Have Your Mouthguard Regularly Examined by Your Dentist
Bring your night guard with you to your biannual dental checkups so your dentist can inspect it and ensure that it still fits properly. If it doesn’t, you might need to have it replaced. You may even want to ask your dentists about having it professionally sanitized so you can leave your appointment with a fresh, thoroughly cleaned dental guard.
Wearing a dental guard can take some getting used to, but it’s worth it to ensure your smile is safe from harm. If you have questions about how to properly care for your night guard, ask your dentist for suggestions to keep your teeth bright and beautiful!
About the Author
Do you play contact sports or suffer from teeth grinding a clenching at night? Luckily, Dr. Jane Reeves, Dr. Jason Peck, Dr. Troy Tregre, and their team at Deer Park Family Dentistry can help. They are experts at administering a range of preventive dental treatments and can make you a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth from harm and help you maintain your bright, brag-worthy smile. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about how to take care of your night guard, visit Deer Park Family Dentistry’s website or call their office at (281) 479-2841.