Can You Wear A Mouthguard With Dentures?

Because traditional mouthguards are designed to fit snuggly over teeth and cushion them during intense physical activity, wearing them over dentures is not a good idea. However, some mouthguards have been designed specifically to fit over your dentures. They are constructed from a soft material that you can mold and shape to cover your dentures. This type of mouthguard will not only protect your dentures, but it will keep any remaining natural teeth and your gums safe.

For the best fit and protection of your teeth and dentures, you should get your mouthguard professionally made. However, some DIY solutions may be suitable. Fitting one of these mouthguards over your dentures should include the following steps:

– Purchase the Right Type of Mouthguard: You’ll find many different types of mouthguards available. Most are not suitable for wearing over your dentures. However, some mouthguards are identified as “denture-friendly” or “suitable for denture wearers.”
– Boil Some Water: Using either the kettle, stove-top, or microwave oven, boil some water.
– Place the Mouthguard in the Hot Water: Take the boiling water off the heat and let it sit for about 30 seconds. Pour some of the water into a container and place the mouthguard in the hot water. Leave it for no more than 15 seconds. The purpose of using hot water is to soften the mouthguard material.
– Place the Mouthguard in Your Mouth: After the mouthguard has cooled enough to be placed inside your mouth without burning you, carefully insert it. Press the mouthguard against your dentures and gums and bite down gently. This aids in creating a snug fit of the mouthguard over your dentures.
– Adjust the Fit: You may have to make adjustments if the mouthguard does not feel right or is too loose. You can make these changes by trimming excess material with scissors or by pressing the mouthguard against your dentures with your fingers.
– Cool the Mouthguard: Once you get the mouthguard to fit as you desire, remove it and let it sit in some cool water. This will set the shape you molded the mouthguard into.
– Test the Fit: After the mouthguard has cooled, put it back into your mouth to see how it fits.
 
It is important to protect dentures when engaged in intense physical activity to prevent damage. The steps above should help you to properly fit your dentures with a DIY mouthguard.

Some damage can result from wearing a mouthguard with dentures. This usually happens if the fit is not right. A mouthguard that does not fit correctly can exert pressure on the dentures. This pressure can cause dentures to become loose and dislodge. Additionally, wearing a mouthguard that is not designed as “denture-friendly” or “suitable for denture wearers” may not offer the right kind of protection or may be difficult to wear correctly.

There are different types of “denture-friendly” mouthguards. They include:

– Custom-Made Mouthguards: Your dentist or orthodontist can make you a mouthguard that fits specifically over your dentures. This type of custom-made mouthguard will be fashioned to provide a comfortable fit and protection for your dentures and mouth.
– Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: This is the type of mouthguard that you can fit at home. Although boil-and-bite mouthguards are not as good as custom-made ones, they still work. However, for denture wearers who have complex or severe dental conditions, a boil-and-bite mouthguard may not be suitable.
– Double-Layer Mouthguards: As the name implies, there are two different layers to this type of mouthguard. The inner layer is softer and provides a cushion for your dentures. The outer layer is harder and provides impact protection.
– Strapless Mouthguards: The natural suction in the mouth holds this mouthguard in position. Although this type of mouthguard is comfortable to wear, there are no attachments or straps, so it doesn’t provide as much protection as other mouthguards.

It’s best to first consult with your dental professional for advice before you start to shop for a mouthguard to wear with your dentures.

Determining the frequency of changing your mouthguard while using dentures is not straightforward. Various factors such as the frequency of usage, the mouthguard’s kind, and the extent of its exposure to wear and tear play a role. Here are some points to consider:

– Custom-Made Mouthguards: These mouthguards, being the most robust among the options, tend to have a longer lifespan. With proper maintenance, a custom-fitted mouthguard can serve you for several years. However, it is advisable to get it inspected by your dentist on a yearly basis for certainty.
– Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Compared to custom-fitted ones, this variety tends to wear out faster. It might require replacement every 6 to 12 months. If there are visible signs of damage or deterioration, the need for replacement can be more frequent.
– Double-Layer Mouthguards: Even though this variety outlasts the heat-and-mold type, it eventually needs replacement. The appearance of any signs of wear and tear is an indication that you need a new one. With normal use and adequate care, a dual-layer mouthguard could last up to 2 years.
– Strapless Mouthguards: The fact that this type of mouthguard offers less protection than the rest means it will also need replacement more frequently. You may need to replace a strapless mouthguard every three to 6 months. Maybe sooner depending on wear and tear.

Inspect your mouthguard’s condition regularly. When you store it, make sure that it’s clean and dry to prevent damage and bacteria growth.

Wearing a mouthguard with dentures can impact speech and breathing for some individuals. There are a few issues to be aware of when wearing a mouthguard with dentures. They include:

– Speech: If the mouthguard you are wearing does not fit properly, it can impact your speech. You may find you are slurring words, have a lisp, or cannot make certain sounds.
– Breathing: Breathing may be difficult if the mouthguard blocks the airway or is just too bulky. This may result in nose breathing instead of breathing through the mouth.
 
A properly fitting mouthguard can prevent these issues from developing. The best option is a custom-made mouthguard as these offer the best protection and are made to fit just your mouth and your dentures. This makes the custom-made mouthguard comfortable and secure. Another way to prevent breathing and speech issues from forming is to practice speaking and breathing while wearing a mouthguard to understand what adjustments you may need to make to speak and breathe normally.

You should be able to talk and drink water when you are wearing a mouthguard with dentures. Provided the mouthguard fits properly, it shouldn’t hamper your ability to speak or swallow too much. Here are some tips to assist:

– Practice: With the mouthguard inside your mouth, practice speaking. This will give you a sense of how the mouthguard feels and what you may have to do to adjust the way you speak to be heard clearly.
– Speak Slowly: Slow your speech down and enunciate clearly.
– Small Sips: Try taking small sips instead of large gulps. Before swallowing, use your tongue to guide the water into the back of your mouth. This will help to stop water from getting trapped between the mouthguard and your dentures.
– Adjust if Required: If you still encounter problems speaking or swallowing while wearing a mouthguard with dentures, It might need some adjustments. See a dental professional for advice on how your mouthguard can be adjusted for the best fit.
 
With a mouthguard that fits properly over your dentures, you should be able to speak and drink water with ease.

You should follow specific cleaning and care instructions when wearing a mouthguard with dentures. By following them, you ensure proper hygiene and will help to keep your dentures in good shape. Here are the most common cleaning and care instructions:

– Rinse: After each time you use the mouthguard, rinse it thoroughly under cool running water. This will remove bacteria or debris that may have formed when it was in your mouth.
– Brush: With mild soap or a denture cleaner and a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush the mouthguard. It is a good idea to habitually brush the mouthguard clean daily.
– Soak: Place the mouthguard in a container filled with denture-cleaning solution. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes to soak. This will disinfect the mouthguard and remove buildup.
– Avoid Heat Sources: Do not expose the mouthguard to high temperatures that can be produced by hot water or direct sunlight. The mouthguard can change shape or warp with too much heat.
– Store Properly: When you are not using the mouthguard, store it in a clean, dry container. This will reduce the likelihood of bacteria growth. Storing it also keeps it safe from getting damaged.
– Watch for Damage: Inspect your mouthguard regularly. If you see any damage, or if the mouthguard doesn’t fit like it did before, then it may need replacing.