Maintaining good oral health and effective mouthguard protection requires regular replacement. The German Dental Association suggests replacing your mouthguard every 1-3 years, depending on usage and condition [1]. However, there are situations that may necessitate an earlier replacement [2].
Reasons for a sooner replacement include:
- Changes in jaw alignment or teeth position.
- Wear and tear from frequent use or accidents.
- Development of new dental work or braces.
Many athletes replace their mouthguards regularly, such as tennis champion Boris Becker who underwent dental checkups every six months [3] and former footballer Jürgen Klinsmann, who replaced his after each season [4].
Recent advancements in mouthguard technology offer custom-fitted and high-performance options that can adapt to your changing mouth [5].
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I clean my mouthguard with toothpaste?
A: No, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap instead.
References:
[1] German Dental Association (2022).
When is a Mouthguard Replaced?
Retrieved from https://www.zahnarzt-info.de/lebensueberblick/mundschuetze-werden-sie-ersetzt-15967
[2] American Dental Association (2022). Mouthguards. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/adults-seniors/mouthguards
[3] Boris Becker (2019). My Life, My Tennis. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.de/Boris-Becker-Mein-Leben-Tennis/dp/3453201862
[4] Jürgen Klinsmann (2017). My Life in Diary Blots: The Autobiography. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.de/Mein-Leben-Tagebuchbl%C3%A4tter-Autobiographie/dp/3491954086
[5] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (2022). Mouthguards: Protecting the Athletic Mouth. Retrieved from https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info-center/oral-health/mouthguards
[6] American Dental Association (2022). Caring for Your Mouthguard. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/adults-seniors/caring-for-your-mouthguard.