Tired of having to spend a fortune on constantly replacing your night guard because it keeps breaking too soon? Well, you’re not alone!
Many people struggle with keeping their nighttime dental guard in good shape, leading to frequent replacements and unnecessary expense.
But what if I told you that you could make your dental guard last three times longer? The good news is that it is really possible!
By following these expert-backed maintenance techniques that I’m about to give you, you’ll be able to extend the lifespan of your guard significantly, save money, and also enjoy better dental protection.
Why Do Night Guards Wear Out Quickly?
Now, first things first. You must acknowledge that your night guard goes through a lot—constant pressure, saliva exposure, and occasional mishandling.
Here are the main reasons why night guards break down faster than expected:
Table: Common Night Guard Killers & How To Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | How To Fix It |
| Using hot water to clean it | Warps and weakens material | Use cold/lukewarm water only |
| Storing it wet | Bacteria thrive, leading to early breakdown | Always dry it completely before storing |
| Buying low-quality guards | Cheaper materials wear out faster | Invest in custom-made nighttime dental guards for durability |
The Secret Formula: How To Make Your Night Guard Last 3X Longer
Okay, let’s get down to business.
A night guard should last years, not months. So here are the steps that you should be following to maximize its lifespan.
Step 1: Clean It the Right Way (No Toothpaste!)
- Use a mild soap or a non-alcoholic mouthwash to clean your dental guard
- Scrub it gently with a toothbrush that has soft-bristles
- Use only cold or lukewarm water to rinse it clean
- How often? Clean it daily, and once a week, do a deep-clean soak
| Note: NEVER use toothpaste and hot, boiling water to clean your night guard—it is too abrasive and will ruin the fit of your guard! |
Step 2: Dry It Completely Before Storing
- Pat your guard dry with a paper towel after washing it
- Let it air dry for at least 30 minutes
| Note: NEVER store your wet or damp night guard in a sealed container— this encourages bacterial growth. |
Step 3: Store It in the Right Case
- A well-ventilated hard-shell case is the best storage option to extend the lifespan of your nightguard as it will help to prevent damage and bacteria.
- A plastic bag or an airtight box are two of the worst storage unit choices you can make because they trap moisture and will lead to bacterial growth on your dental guard.
| Tip: Look for cases with air holes, a sturdy design, and a snap-lock closure. |
Make sure to check out the blog called “Your Nighttime Dental Guard Is Full of Bacteria—Fix It Now!” for more detailed information on how bacterial growth leads to multiple issues, including dental guard breakdown!
Rotate Between Two Night Guards
Why, you might ask?
Well, rotating between two night guards is beneficial in extending lifespan because this essentially acts as a recovery period for your night guards— a recovery from nightly pressure.
| Tip: Think of why rotating shoes helps to prevent wear and tear. Rotating between two night guards works in the same way! |
Invest in a High-Quality Night Guard
If your current nighttime dental guard keeps breaking, then it is definitely time to upgrade.
The best night guards are made from durable materials and are custom-fit to ensure high performance in withstanding heavy grinding, while cheap store-bought ones wear out really quickly and can even end up doing more harm than good!
| Question: How long do they last? A custom guard lasts from between 1-5 years with proper care, while over-the-counter guards often wear out in 2-6 months |
Bonus Hack: The Power of Baking Soda & Vinegar
- Soaking your nighttime dental guard in baking soda solutions will help keep your guard fresh and odor-free.
- A diluted vinegar solution is the best remedy to remove stubborn plaque buildup.
| Note: If your night guard has a lot of buildup, you could also ask your dentist to professionally clean it using ultrasonic cleaners. |
Final Thoughts:
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your nighttime dental guard stays in top condition and reaches its maximum lifespan potential.
Not only will you save so much money, but you’ll also be able to get better protection for your teeth, jaw, and even sleep quality!
Start applying these maintenance strategies and say goodbye to worrying about your guard breaking down too soon again!
