Post-Operative Care for Mouthguards
Thank you for choosing Renwick Dental for your custom-made mouthguard. Mouthguards play an important role in keeping your teeth, gums, and jaw safe. With the right care and use, your mouthguard will stay comfortable, effective, and long-lasting.
What to Expect When You First Start Wearing Your Mouthguard
Initial Fit and Feel
Your custom mouthguard is designed to fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth. It may feel a little unusual at first—that’s normal! Most people adjust within a few uses.
If the mouthguard feels too tight, loose, or causes irritation, please contact us so we can make any necessary adjustments.
Speech and Saliva
You might notice a slight change in speech or increased saliva when you first wear your mouthguard. This typically improves as your mouth gets used to the appliance.
How to Use Your Mouthguard
For Sports Use
- Wear your mouthguard during all training and competitive games.
- Bring your case to every game to keep it safe between uses.
- Rinse it with cold water before and after wearing.
For Night-Time Use (for grinding/clenching)
- Wear nightly as directed by your dentist.
- Insert and remove the guard using your fingers—don’t bite it into place.
- Rinse with lukewarm water after each use.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Daily Cleaning
- Rinse with cold or lukewarm water after each use.
- Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste) to keep it clean.
- Once a week, soak it in a denture or mouthguard cleaning solution (such as Polident or a sports guard cleanser).
Storage
- Always store your mouthguard in its ventilated protective case when not in use.
- Keep it away from pets, direct sunlight, and heat sources (e.g. hot water, car dashboards), as heat can warp it.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Checkups
At your routine dental appointments, we’ll check the condition and fit of your mouthguard. If you experience any discomfort or changes in your bite, let us know.
Wear and Tear
Over time, especially with heavy use, your mouthguard may show signs of wear or thinning. If it becomes cracked, warped, or no longer fits securely, it may be time for a replacement.
When to Contact Us
Please contact Renwick Dental if you experience:
- Discomfort, pain, or sore spots when wearing your mouthguard
- Damage, cracking, or changes in fit
- Trouble keeping the mouthguard in place during use
- Any jaw pain, grinding symptoms, or concerns about performance
Questions or Concerns? We’re Here to Help
We’re always happy to help with advice on caring for or using your mouthguard. If you need a replacement, a review of your fit, or have questions about protection for sport or grinding, the Renwick Dental team is here to support you.
