Mouthguards: What Are They, Types, Risks, and How to Clean Them?

Did you know that 15 to 40% of children and 8 to 10% of adults are affected by sleep Bruxism, which involves teeth grinding and jaw thrusting while sleeping? A mouthguard can help to prevent teeth grinding, many sports-related jaw injuries, and even sleep apnea. Let's learn more about it.

Imagine having a sore jaw, throbbing headache, or chipped teeth due to something you unknowingly do in your sleep. If you are facing this issue, you are not alone.

Millions of people face jaw problems or TMJ pain due to nighttime teeth grinding, also called Bruxism. 

Studies show that Bruxism can exert up to 250 pounds of force, explaining chipped teeth, jaw pain, and injuries. The good news is that bruxism or jaw injuries have a remedy:  “mouth guards (the one worn during sleep are called night guards).

However, if you are wondering what are mouth guards? and how to choose the right ones for you, you have come to the right place. We have brought you all the information you need. Stay tuned with the blog. 

What Is A Mouth Guard, And Why Is It Important?

A mouthguard is an oral appliance designed to protect teeth from damage caused by grinding (Bruxism), clenching, sports-related injuries, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It is like a barrier worn during sleep or physical activity to absorb force and reduce wear on the teeth. Here is why people wear it:

• Prevents unconscious teeth from chipping and grinding. 

• Reduces jaw tension and TMJ pain.

• Protects against sports-related jaw injuries.

• Reduces TMJ disorder-related headaches. 

• Helps in treating snoring and sleep apnea.

• Promotes long-term dental health.

 

Types Of Mouthguards And Which One Is Right For You?

Soft Mouth Guard:

A soft mouthguard, also called a boil-and-bite mouthguard, is made using flexible materials and comes in different thicknesses. It is best for people with light to severe grinding issues and is therefore considered a top Bruxism guard. 

Hard Mouth Guard: 

A hard mouthguard is made using more durable materials and comes only in one size. It is perfect for people with moderate teeth-grinding issues and for those who want to prevent their teeth from shifting.

Hybrid Mouth Guard:

Lastly, a hybrid mouthguard combines the best of both worlds—a hard exterior for protection and a soft interior for comfort. Available in a single size, it is best for moderate to severe grinders and those with TMJ pain. 

Here is more information on the types of mouthguards: 

 

Which Mouthguard Is Right For You?

Mouthguards are available at over-the-counter pharmacies, but they might not perfectly fit your jaw. This is where a custom-designed mouth guard designed specifically for your bite comes into the picture. Custom dental guards for Bruxism have a higher chance of preventing tooth chipping and pain. 

At Cheeky, we offer at-home Custom Night Guards for bruxism and TMJ relief and Sports Mouth Guards for sports injury prevention. Here is how you can order our dental guards from your home:

Mouthguard: Risks And Key Tips For Proper Use

A common query is, “How long do mouthguards last?” With proper care, they can last as long as 1 to 2 years. But if the care is neglected, they can pose serious health risks, such as:

• An ill-fitted mouthguard, mainly due to poor customization, can cause tooth misalignment, jaw soreness, and pain.
  

• Improper cleaning of the guard can lead to bacteria accumulation, leading to oral infections, bad breath, and other oral health issues.
  

• With time and wear, dental guards can lose their shape and cause increased pressure on the jaw, which can cause excruciating pain. 

 

Key Tips For Proper Use Of Mouth Guard:

• Properly brush and floss your teeth before putting on the guard.

• Check your guard for holes and signs of damage regularly.

• Always store your dental guard inside its container. 

• Make sure to keep it out of reach of your children and pets.

• Mouthguards don't last forever, so replace them every 3 to 6 months.

How To Properly Care For Your Nightguard?

Now that you know the potential risks of neglecting the care and hygiene of a dental guard, you might wonder, what is the best way to clean a mouthguard? Therefore, let's discuss different ways to clean it.

Toothpaste And Soft Brush: 

You can clean your mouthguard using a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste. Make sure to keep a separate toothbrush for cleaning and avoid germ contamination. Here is how to clean your guard with a toothbrush:

1. Rinse your dental guard with cold water to remove any debris.

2. Apply pea-sized toothpaste on the toothbrush. 

3. Move the brush gently in a circular motion, reaching every nook and cranny. 

4. Rinse off the mouthguard with cold water until it's clean.

5. Let it dry naturally. (Avoid keeping in the sun)

Soak In The Mouth Wash:

The second way to clean your mouth guard is to soak it in an antimicrobial mouthwash like Listerine. Here are the steps:

1. Wash your mouth guard with cold water.

2. Pour antibacterial mouthwash into a bowl or beaker.

3. Dip your dental guard into the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Rinse it off with cold water to remove mouthwash residue completely.

5. Let it dry on its own.

Vinegar And Baking Soda:

Next, you can also clean your mouth guard using vinegar and baking soda. These ingredients act like natural cleaners and reduce bad odors. Here is how to clean your guard with vinegar and baking soda:

1. Rinse your dental guard with cold water.

2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a clean container.

3. Soak the guard in it for 30 minutes.

4. Clean with baking soda for 1-2 minutes to remove stubborn buildup.

5. Wash off the mouthguard with cold water.

6. Dry it naturally without introducing harsh heat.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions:

Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can also be used for deep mouth guard cleaning. Both ingredients are easily accessible in the market. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Just like other methods, start with cold water rinsing. 

2. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a clean container. 

3. Next, soak the dental guard in the container for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Remove and wash the mouthguard with cold water. 

5. Dry without direct heat.

The Dentist suggested cleaners:

If you don't like any of the above-discussed cleaning methods, you can ask your dentist or mouthguard provider to suggest a cleaner.

 

Conclusion: 

Mouthguards work best in preventing teeth chipping, sports injuries, and jaw pain. But they need proper care and cleaning to stay in their best shape. So, if you have Bruxism or play sports, a mouthguard can help you sleep properly and prevent jaw injuries. 

At Cheeky, we offer custom mouthguards at affordable costs. If you are still unsure about what type of mouthguard you must purchase, explore our products, or reach out to us today!

FAQ:

Do you offer any guarantee?

Yes, Cheeky offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If our mouthguard doesn’t fit, you can return it and get a full refund. 

Are Cheeky mouthguards HSA/FSA eligible?

Yes, Cheeky mouthguards are HSA/FSA eligible.

What if I want to replace my mouthguard?

Cheeky offers a subscription plan to replace your mouthguard every 3-6 months.