Written by Dr. Vesna Delic Romero, DDS Chief Dental Officer at Damage Control Mouthguards.
Think of a custom mouthguard like a well-made piece of clothing. Some people still have jackets or jeans from decades ago that look great because they were stored properly, cared for correctly, and still fit well.
The same concept applies to mouthguards. When nothing changes—such as weight, bite alignment, or habits—and when the mouthguard is maintained properly, it can last for years.
As a dental clinician, it is not unusual to see oral appliances like mouthguards, night guards, and dentures outlast their expected lifespan when they are properly cared for.
Bite Alignment Plays a Big Role
One of the biggest factors affecting the lifespan of a mouthguard is bite alignment, also known as malocclusion.
Malocclusion occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not come together evenly. Two common examples include:
Class II bite (often called an overbite)
Class III bite (an underbite)
When the bite is uneven, certain teeth may press harder into the mouthguard material. Over time this can create deep impressions, stress points, and faster wear in the protective material.
A well-made custom mouthguard can often accommodate these issues through proper design and communication with the dental lab technician.
How Proper Cleaning Extends Mouthguard Life
Proper mouthguard care and maintenance significantly extends its lifespan.
Avoid brushing your mouthguard with toothpaste, as many toothpastes contain abrasive particles that can scratch the surface and cause discoloration.
Instead, use:
Mild soap
Dish detergent
Non-abrasive cleaning solutions
Specialized mouthguard cleaning tablets
These methods help remove bacteria without damaging the material.
The #1 Enemy of Mouthguards: Pets
Surprisingly, one of the most common causes of mouthguard destruction is household pets.
Dogs in particular are attracted to mouthguards because they smell like their owner and are made from chewable materials. Many dental clinicians hear countless stories of pets chewing, tearing, or completely destroying oral appliances.
Keeping your mouthguard in a protective case when not in use can prevent this common problem.
Accidents and Damage
Mouthguards can also be damaged through accidents. Some athletes report situations where they:
Dropped them in parking lots
Stepped on them in locker rooms
Even ran them over with a vehicle
While custom mouthguards are durable, extreme pressure or heat can distort their fit.
The Most Common Reason Mouthguards Are Replaced
The most frequent reason athletes replace mouthguards is surprisingly simple:
They lose them.
Mouthguards are often misplaced at:
Gyms
Locker rooms
Training facilities
Cars
Workplaces
Using a mouthguard case and attaching it to a bag with a carabiner can greatly reduce the chances of losing it.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Mouthguard
Even a high-quality custom mouthguard should be replaced if you notice:
Cracks or tears in the material
Severe discoloration or odor
Loss of fit or looseness
Flattened bite impressions
Structural damage from chewing or impact
Growing athletes and teenagers may also need replacements more often because their teeth and jaw structure change over time.
Final Thoughts
With proper care, a custom fit mouthguard can last for years, making it a smart investment for athletes in sports like football, boxing, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Cleaning it properly, storing it in a protective case, and avoiding damage from pets or accidents will significantly extend its life.
In many cases, when athletes take good care of their mouthguards, they only need to replace them once in a blue moon—saving both their smiles and their money.
