5 Essential Tips for Using a Mouth Guard to Protect Your Teeth

Your smile is tougher than you think, but accidents and teeth grinding hit hard. A mouth guard in NW Calgary gives you powerful protection when life gets rough. From sports to bedtime tension, find out how this simple solution can guard your teeth, prevent painful injuries, and help you smile confidently no matter what challenges you face each day.

What Is a Mouth Guard and Why Is It Important for Your Teeth?

What Is Mouth Guard? Think of it as a helmet—but for your teeth. It’s a soft or hard tray that fits over your teeth, creating a cushion between your upper and lower jaw.

Here’s why it matters:

Shield your teeth during high-impact sports
Protects against damage caused by grinding or clenching
Helps with jaw tension and mild TMJ symptoms
Prevents soft tissue injuries inside your mouth

The main goal? Prevent broken teeth, chipped enamel, or worse losing a tooth altogether.

We often hear patients say they didn’t realize how much stress their teeth were under until they started using a mouth guard. Protecting your teeth doesn’t have to be complicated—you just need to know the basics.

1. Choose the Right Type of Mouth Guard for Your Needs

Not all mouth guards are created the same. The first thing to figure out? Which type suits your needs?

Here are the common types:

Stock Mouth Guards: Found at drugstores. Pre-formed. Cheapest option. But they rarely fit well and can be bulky.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards: Made from thermoplastic. After heating in hot water, you bite into it to shape it around your teeth. More comfortable than stock guards.
Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards: Created by your NW Calgary dentist, this custom solution ensures the right fit, maximum comfort, and reliable protection—ideal for those who grind their teeth or frequently play contact sports.

Tip: If you’re unsure which one you need, talk to a dentist near you. They’ll guide you based on your habits and lifestyle.

2. Ensure a Proper Fit for Maximum Comfort and Protection

A mouth guard that doesn’t fit right won’t help much. Worse—it might irritate your gums or cause you to gag.

How to know it fits?

It sits snugly on your upper teeth
You can speak and breathe easily
It doesn’t move around when you talk or chew

A poor fit might lead you to stop wearing it. And that defeats the whole purpose. A dentist in NW Calgary can adjust it or remake it if needed, so don’t settle for discomfort.

3. Clean and Maintain Your Mouth Guard Regularly

Let’s be honest—mouth guards get gross if you ignore them. Saliva, bacteria, and food bits build up quickly.

Here’s how to keep it clean:

Rinse it under cool water before and after each use
Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste—it can wear down the material)
Soak it in a denture cleaner once a week
Store it in a ventilated case

Avoid leaving it in a hot car or direct sunlight—it can warp. Make this routine part of your day. Your mouth will thank you.

4. Wear Your Mouth Guard Consistently During Activities

Don’t just wear your guard “sometimes.” Injuries don’t wait for your good days. Consistency is key.

Use it whenever:

You play sports, especially contact sports like hockey, football, or basketball
You lift weights or do CrossFit (clenching happens without you realizing it)
You grind your teeth while sleeping

Even one night without it can leave your jaw sore or your teeth chipped. If you’ve taken the time to get one, wear it like it matters—because it does.

5. Replace Your Mouth Guard When It Shows Signs of Wear

Mouth guards don’t last forever. Over time, they wear down, lose shape, or get tiny cracks that harbor bacteria.

Replace your mouth guard when:

It no longer fits snugly
It has holes or tears
It starts to feel rough or uncomfortable
You’ve had it for over a year

Especially for kids and teens, regular replacements are a must—they grow fast, and so do their teeth.

Even adults may need a new one each season if they play sports. Stay ahead by checking it monthly.

Benefits of Using a Mouth Guard for Oral Health

Still wondering if it’s worth it? Here’s what a good mouth guard can do for your oral health:

Prevent chipped or broken teeth
Reduce jaw strain and headaches caused by clenching
Protect dental work like crowns or veneers
Lower the risk of soft tissue injuries
Improve sleep for those with mild grinding

Many of our patients have shared how their sleep improved after getting a mouth guard in NW Calgary. They didn’t even realize how tense their jaws were until the pain stopped.

Even if you don’t feel discomfort now, that doesn’t mean damage isn’t building quietly. Prevention beats repair every time.

Conclusion

Protecting your smile starts with small, smart choices—like wearing a well-fitted mouth guard. Whether you’re on the field or in bed, your teeth deserve care. Visit Springhill Dental today to get fitted for a custom mouth guard that fits your life. Don’t wait for damage to happen—take the first step toward stronger, safer teeth now!

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