Is It Okay If You Wear a Mouthguard All Day?

Mouthguards in Manchester play an important role in protecting teeth. Whether playing sports, grinding your teeth at night, or dealing with jaw tension, mouthguards can offer essential protection. They help cushion teeth from damage, relieve tension in your jaw, and prevent further complications. However, many people wonder if wearing a mouthguard all day is safe or necessary. Let’s explore the different types of mouthguards and whether wearing them all day is a good idea.

Types of Mouthguards and Their Purposes

Mouthguards are designed for different purposes depending on your specific needs. Here are the main types and why they are used:

Sports Mouthguards

Athletes commonly use a sports mouthguard to protect their teeth during physical activities. Whether you play contact sports like football or enjoy extreme sports like skateboarding, a mouthguard shields your teeth from impact. Without this protection, you risk chipping, breaking, or losing a tooth due to a blow to the mouth. Wearing one during sports makes sense, but should you keep it all day? That’s where things get more complicated.

Nightguards

If you have a habit of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw while sleeping, also known as bruxism, a nightguard can be a lifesaver. It protects your teeth from the constant grinding pressure, which can lead to wear, damage, or jaw pain. Nightguards are meant to be worn while you sleep, so wearing them during the day is typically unnecessary unless your dentist in Manchester recommends them for exceptional cases.

Custom vs. Store-bought Mouthguards

You can get a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dental clinic or buy an over-the-counter version. Custom-fitted mouthguards are tailored to fit your teeth perfectly, providing maximum comfort and effectiveness. On the other hand, store-bought mouthguards may not fit as well and can sometimes feel bulky or uncomfortable.

When Wearing a Mouthguard All Day Is Appropriate

In specific cases, wearing a mouthguard for extended periods, even all day, might be necessary. For instance, if you’re undergoing specific dental treatments or therapies, your dentist in Manchester may advise wearing a mouthguard for longer durations.

Medical Conditions or Treatments

Certain medical conditions or treatments require wearing a mouthguard throughout the day. For example, people who suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or those recovering from certain jaw surgeries might need a mouthguard to help relax their jaw or prevent further damage. In these cases, following your dentist’s advice closely is essential.

Benefits of Extended Wear

For some individuals, wearing a mouthguard all day may help relax tense jaw muscles, especially if they tend to clench their teeth during the day. Extended use could help reduce headaches or facial pain caused by bruxism. However, even in these scenarios, you must ensure the mouthguard stays clean and adequately fitted.

Potential Risks of Wearing a Mouthguard All Day

While there are instances where wearing a mouthguard all day might be beneficial, it’s only sometimes advisable. Continuous use of a mouthguard can lead to several issues if not done correctly.

Bacteria Buildup

One of the biggest concerns with wearing a mouthguard all day is the potential for bacteria buildup. Your mouth is home to countless bacteria, and a mouthguard can trap those bacteria against your teeth and gums. If the mouthguard isn’t cleaned regularly, It will become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria to grow, potentially causing gum infections or bad breath.

• Clean your mouthguard on daily basis with a toothbrush and mild soap.
• Store it in a clean, ventilated case when not in use.

Comfort and Fit

Mouthguards are only designed for continuous wear if they’re custom-fitted. Over time, wearing a mouthguard for too long can become uncomfortable, especially if it begins to wear down or if it wasn’t made to fit your teeth properly. If the mouthguard isn’t the right fit for extended wear, you might experience gum irritation or soreness in your jaw.

Impact on Speech and Eating

Wearing a mouthguard all day can interfere with regular activities like speaking and eating. You may find it difficult to talk clearly or chew food properly with a mouthguard in place. That’s why most people only wear them during specific activities, like sports or sleeping.

How to Care for Your Mouthguard Properly

Proper care is essential if you wear a mouthguard frequently, or even all day in some cases, to avoid issues like bacteria buildup or damage.

Regular Cleaning

It’s crucial to clean your mouthguard daily, especially if you wear it all day or at night. Bacteria can quickly accumulate on the surface, which could lead to infections.

• Brush your mouthguard with a toothbrush and water every morning and night.
• Occasionally, soak it in a denture cleaner or a mixture of water and soap to ensure it stays clean.

Storage Tips

When you’re not wearing your mouthguard, store it in a clean, ventilated case to prevent contamination. Please don’t leave it in direct sunlight or near heat. This can cause it to warp.

Replacement Schedule

Mouthguards aren’t meant to last forever. Over time, they can wear down and lose their effectiveness. If your mouthguard has become damaged, uncomfortable, or less effective, it’s time for a replacement. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dental clinic can last longer than store-bought options, but even these need to be replaced eventually.

Conclusion

Mouthguards are essential for protecting teeth from damage, whether using them for sports or to prevent teeth grinding at night. However, wearing a mouthguard all day is only usually necessary if recommended by your dentist for specific medical reasons. It’s important to weigh the benefits and potential risks of extended wear carefully. Always follow your dentist’s guidance and adequately care for your mouthguard to ensure it works as intended.

Need a Custom Mouthguard? Book Your Appointment Today!

If you’re considering a custom-fitted mouthguard, Smiles by Design can help. We specialize in providing mouthguards tailored to your unique needs, ensuring the perfect fit and maximum protection. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward protecting your teeth!