Introduction:

A large chunk of any population is involved in sports either as players or consumers. While being a consumer of sports is relatively a safe experience, playing them, especially games that involve a lot of physical activity and interactions can be quite risky. Protecting vital organs while playing any sport becomes a dire necessity for players and this protection is often offered through the means of various nifty protective devices and equipment. One such equipment meant to protect the teeth and the overall oral cavity is a sports mouthguard. This blog will help you understand what a mouthguard for sports is, what is the purpose of wearing one, and how to keep it clean and maintained for a long time.  

What is a Sports Mouthguard?

Ask any athlete or player around the world who plays ‘contact sports’, all use a sports mouthguard regularly as it ensures the safety of their oral cavity. The major plus point of wearing a sports mouthguard is that it can not only absorb, but also spread shocks, thus reducing their impact on the mouth, and in turn saving the teeth, gums, and even the jaw. But mere wearing of a sports mouthguard is not important, it is also necessary to keep it clean lest you end up developing some infection from an unhygienic mouthguard. This blog then will provide you with extensive steps that can ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of your mouthguards. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the durability and hygiene of your mouthguard, allowing it to endure for an extended time.

As it is clear from the name itself, a mouthguard for sports is a special protective device that is used to keep your oral cavity safe while playing contact sports. It becomes crucial in all kinds of ‘heavy sports’ as it can reduce the chances of occurrences of many kinds of oral injuries. 

Understanding the Importance of Mouthguard Maintenance:

Before we start looking into tips and tricks that are essential to cleaning and maintaining a sports Mouthguard, it is necessary to understand that buying high-quality mouthguards, in general, will help you keep them maintained for a long time. 

• Cleaning Basics:

Any dental or oral device- whether permanently implanted or removable, requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure not only its longevity but also the health and hygiene of your oral cavity. This also includes regular cleaning of a sports mouthguard.

The most basic thing that you must perform while maintaining a mouthguard is to rinse the mouthguard clean with cool running water after every use. This will remove any kind of residual saliva and debris that might have been lodged in the mouthguard. Never use hot water to clean your mouthguard as it can be detrimental to its health and structure- in fact, hot water and high temperatures may change and damage the shape of your mouthguard permanently, forcing you to invest in a new one. Along with hot water, it is recommended to avoid using any kind of harsh cleaning substances and abrasive scrubbers to clean the mouthguard as they can cause a lot of damage to the material that is used to make the mouthguard. 

• Deep Cleaning Routine:

While regular cleaning ensures the proper health of your mouthguards, it is not enough, especially if you use your mouthguards regularly. In such cases (or rather in general) it is necessary to go for a deep cleanse at least once a week to ensure the proper health and hygiene of the said mouthguard. For a deep cleanse, users can use a soft-bristled toothbrush with good-quality and non-alcoholic mouthwash. Gently clean the mouthguard, carefully entering all the nooks and crevices to remove any kind of build-up or harmful germs. Once you have gone through the brushing process, rinse the mouthguards thoroughly under cool running water to remove any residual mouthwash (or soap). 

• Avoiding Harmful Agents:

As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to steer clear of any kinds of harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers and agents while cleaning your mouthguard. Never use bleach and other similar products while cleaning your mouthguards as they can damage the materials severely, rendering your mouthguards useless. 

• Proper Storage:

An often overlooked aspect of mouthguard care is proper storage. When you are not using your mouthguard, always keep it in a container allowing air to pass freely. 

• Regular Checkups:

Check for any kinds of tears and cracks and if you see them, get the mouthguards replaced or repaired as soon as possible. This will help your best mouthguard for sports look good for a long time.

• Avoiding Chewing or Biting:

While you are wearing your mouthguard, avoid eating, biting, or chewing as it can ruin the frame of the structure of the mouthguard. Chewing and biting can not only reduce the longevity of the mouthguard but can also reduce the levels of protection and safety offered by the mouthguards. 

• Professional Assessment:

Instead of trying to repair the mouthguards yourself, it is better to seek professional help whenever you see any problems with them. Professionals are experts at identifying any concerns related to mouthguards and can also help you understand the steps involved in proper maintenance of the same. They can also guide you with any potential replacements.

Conclusion:

It is always recommended to go for the best mouthguard for sports available in the market as it is a worthwhile investment. You can enhance the life of the mouthguards by following the tips given in this blog carefully. It is also recommended to consult a professional or an expert whenever you feel discomfort while wearing your mouthguards. You can always google sports mouthguards near me or braces mouthguard for sports, to find good experts around you such as Quick Dentures in Perth. 

Quick Denture services not only offer excellent services for your sports mouthguards but also offer a one-stop solution to various other kinds of dentures and dental devices, ensuring a good and healthy oral cavity.