In many sports, a mouth guard is an important piece of equipment for safeguarding your teeth, 

   

   protecting them from breaking or chipping. It will also prevent damage to the soft tissue of the jaw. Unfortunately, this vital piece of equipment is too 

   often tossed into a gym bag and forgotten after practice, allowing bacteria,yeast, and fungi to form. Cleaning a mouth guard and keeping 

   it sanitized isn't difficult and can prevent many unnecessary heath problems.

1.You Put That in Your Mouth?

     Dirty mouth guards pose a health risk to athletes. In a 2011 study published in Sports Medicine,

     investigators found a wide variety of molds, yeast and bacteria

     on the mouth guards of football players. In an earlier study, 

     possible links had been found between contaminated mouth guards and serious infections, and even exercise-induced asthma.

     You should thoroughly clean your mouth guard after using it in order to prevent microorganisms from making their home in your mouth guard,

     and subsequently in your mouth.

2.Rinsing with Water Is Not Enough

     Running water over your mouth guard is not enough to make it truly clean. 

     The American Dental Association suggests cleaning a mouth guard by brushing it 

     with a toothbrush and toothpaste regularly to remove any built up debris, 

     then rinsing it with soapy water. Researchers have found that soaking mouth guards in 

     antimicrobial solutions can reduce the amount of foreign organisms, as well.

     Keep your mouth guard clean by storing it in its protective case. 

     Make sure the case has ventilation so that the mouth guard can dry and prevent regrowth of 

     bacteria. You should also make sure to clean the case regularly.

3.Know When to Replace Your Mouth Guard

    Your mouth guard starts off sleek and smooth, but after heavy use can develop pits and cracks that make great homes for bacteria.

    Rough patches on the mouth guard near your gums can break the skin, creating a place for bacteria to enter your body.

    

    Whether you're using a boil and bite mouth guard or a custom guard from your dentist, 

    it's important to replace it when it begins to show signs of wear.

    

    Cleaning your mouth guard after playing sports shouldn't be an afterthought. 

    Keeping bacteria and fungi from growing on your equipment will also keep them from entering your body and affecting your health.

4.how to care for your sports mouth guard

    

      During normal use, mouth guards easily become contaminated with germs, including mold, bacteria, 

      strep, and staph. Here are some simple tips to care for your mouth guard and avoid running into problems:

5.store it in a case when not in use

   This will prolong its useful life while preventing your mouth guard from getting banged up.

 

   And especially if you carry yours to and from practice in a gym bag, 

   the case will also prevent it from getting dirtied by running shoes or other items sharing the space.

6.use the right king of storage container

     You should use something that’s perforated to allow for air circulation, 

     and firm enough to prevent damage to the mouth guard. After cleaning, 

     it’s best to avoid closing the case until the mouth guard (and case!) is dry.

7.clean after every use

     Cleaning your mouth guard doesn’t have to take long or be a hassle. Keeping it simple is best.On the days you wear it, 

     use your toothbrush and toothpaste to give it a good scrub when you brush your teeth before bedtime. 

     Rinse it thoroughly with cool water when you’re done and let it air dry. You can take this opportunity to give your case a quick clean, too.

     Avoid the use of hot water for cleaning or rinsing since that could change the shape of your mouth guard. Similarly, exposure to high temperatures from 

     other sources — such as direct sunlight — can also lead to changes in shape.

     For best results, use Dentsply Sirona Retainer Brite Cleaning Tablets daily. 

     Simply drop one tablet into warm (not hot!) water and place your mouth guard into the solution. 

     Allow the blue to dissipate (about 15-20 minutes) then remove your mouth guard and rinse it under running water. 

     No scrubbing necessary!

8.keep clean at least once a week

    To get rid of germs, you should deep clean your mouth guard at least once a week. 

    The easiest way to do this is to put it in a bowl and cover it with an antibacterial solution such as Listerine mouth rinse.

9.change your mouth guard every season

     Unfortunately, your mouth guard won’t last forever. Expect to buy a new one at the start of every season to ensure the best fit and hygiene.

     Pressure from your teeth, plus alternating between being wet and dry, all contribute to wearing it down over time.

     One thing you can do to help it last longer is to avoid chewing it — the pressure might cause warping or breakage if you’re not careful.

      If your mouth guard develops any tears or holes, you’ll need to replace it sooner than you may have expected. 

     Another cause for early replacement is a significant change in fit — this may cause it to feel loose, or irritate your gums and teeth.

10.proper care of your sports mouth guard is important

      As you can see, caring for your mouth guard doesn’t have to be difficult, 

      especially if you incorporate its upkeep into your usual tooth care routine. 

      You likely already have all the supplies you need: toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouth rinse.

      Since your mouth guard is an important part of protecting your teeth when you’re participating in sports, 

      ensure you get the maximum benefits from it by taking great care of it.