Mouthguard Care: How to Make the Most of Your Gumshield

Knowing how to care for your mouthguard is just as important as choosing the right one. Proper mouthguard care helps maintain hygiene, comfort, and effectiveness, reducing the risk of damage and bacterial build-up. This guide explains how to clean, store, and look after a gumshield correctly, helping athletes, parents, schools, and clubs make sure mouthguards continue to protect throughout the season.

Every season, there is a 10% chance that an athlete will get an injury to their mouth, face, or jaw. Even though these odds might seem reasonable, one injury could put you out for the whole season. Choosing the right mouthguard is, therefore, essential to reducing the risk of injury.

Good job, that's the first step. Now comes the second step: learning how to protect it. Good mouthguard hygiene is essential to prevent bacteria build-up and ensure your gumshield continues to protect effectively. Even if you buy the best mouthguard on the market, you won't benefit from it if you don't take care of it.

Learning how to properly care for and store your mouthguard is key to looking after a gumshield throughout the season.

Mouthguard Care Starts With the Right Fit

A properly fitting mouthguard is more comfortable, more effective, and less likely to be damaged. Ill-fitting gumshields are not only uncomfortable but can also wear out more quickly and fail to protect properly.

Avoid Chewing on Your Mouthguard

Chewing on a mouthguard is a common habit during high-pressure moments, but it can significantly reduce its effectiveness. Biting and chewing can cause the material to tear, weaken, or split — meaning the mouthguard may no longer protect your teeth properly.

Chewing also creates scratches and surface damage, allowing bacteria to build up inside the material. Once bacteria penetrate below the surface, even thorough cleaning cannot fully remove them, making the mouthguard unhygienic and unsafe to wear.

Mouthguard Care: How to Clean Your Gumshield Properly

To keep your gumshield clean and hygienic:

• Rinse it before and after each use

• Clean it thoroughly after training sessions and matches

• Allow it to dry completely before storing

You should not clean your mouthguard with toothpaste, mouthwash, or a toothbrush. While this may seem logical, these products can damage the material. Toothpaste and mouthwash can weaken the mouthguard, while brushing can scratch the surface — creating spaces where bacteria can build up, similar to damage caused by chewing.

Mouthguard Care: Storing Your Gumshield Correctly

If your mouthguard does not come with a protective case, it’s worth investing in one. Storing a gumshield loose in a kit bag exposes it to dirt, bacteria, and damage — and it’s not something you want to put back in your mouth.

Always store your mouthguard in a clean, ventilated case, and make sure the case itself is cleaned at least once a week. Cleaning a mouthguard is pointless if it’s stored in a dirty case, as bacteria can quickly transfer back onto the guard.

Proper storage helps keep your mouthguard hygienic, protected, and ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a mouthguard be cleaned?

A mouthguard should be rinsed before and after every use and cleaned thoroughly after training sessions and matches.

Can I clean my mouthguard with toothpaste?

No. Toothpaste and mouthwash can damage the material and create scratches that allow bacteria to build up.

Why should I avoid chewing on my mouthguard?

Chewing can cause tears and surface damage, making the mouthguard unhygienic and less effective at protecting teeth.

Do mouthguards need to be replaced regularly?

Yes. Mouthguards should be replaced if they no longer fit properly, show signs of wear, or become damaged or unhygienic.

Good mouthguard care helps ensure protection lasts longer and remains hygienic throughout the season.

Pack of 10 - Game Guard Gumshields - Mixed Colours

£24.95

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