How Often Should a Mouthguard Be Replaced?

How Often Should a Mouthguard Be Replaced?

How Often Should a Mouthguard Be Replaced?

One of the most frequently asked questions by mouthguard users is, “How many months or years can I use this protector?” However, there isn’t a single replacement period that applies to all mouthguards. Especially for custom-made mouthguards used for sports, the lifespan can vary greatly depending on many factors such as the user’s age, changes in dental and jaw structure, the type of sport played, frequency of use, teeth clenching habits, the material of the guard, its cleaning, and impacts it has been exposed to.
Therefore, it is not correct to give a universally applicable period like “a mouthguard must be replaced every 6 months” or “definitely every 2 years.” What is more important is that the guard still fits the teeth correctly, maintains sufficient thickness, shows no cracks or deformation, and that no changes have occurred in the user’s oral structure.
Practically, it is quite logical for athletic mouthguards regularly used by adults to be checked before each sports season. In children and adolescents, checks become even more important due to ongoing tooth eruption and jaw development. For individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, the fit of the mouthguard can deteriorate much more quickly because the position of the teeth changes.
If your mouthguard is looser than before, comes out of place while speaking or running, is difficult to seat on the teeth, has worn edges, or has visibly thinned, it needs to be evaluated by a dentist without waiting for the scheduled date.

Short Answer: How Many Months or Years Can a Mouthguard Be Used?

The replacement time for a mouthguard is not determined solely by its age. For custom athletic mouthguards, the main criterion is whether the existing guard still provides a correct fit, adequate thickness, and protective function.
  • For adult athletes: It is beneficial to check the mouthguard at least before each new sports season. If there is heavy use, wear, or loss of fit, it may need to be replaced sooner.
  • For children and adolescents: More frequent evaluations than adults may be required due to tooth eruption and jaw development.
  • For those with braces: Due to continuous tooth movement, evaluations should be based on orthodontic check-ups rather than standard replacement intervals.
  • In intense contact sports: Since the mouthguard is subjected to more mechanical stress, it should be examined more frequently for wear and deformation.
  • For those with bruxism or a strong jaw clenching habit: The material may wear out faster due to biting and chewing.
In other words, the age of a mouthguard alone is not sufficient to make a decision. A six-month-old mouthguard that is severely deformed may be an appliance that needs to be replaced, while a custom-made mouthguard that has been used for a longer period but has maintained its clinical fit and structural integrity can continue to be used based on the dentist’s evaluation.

Why Is It Important to Replace Your Mouthguard on Time?

The primary function of an athlete’s mouthguard is not merely to place a plastic layer over the teeth. A properly designed mouthguard helps absorb and distribute forces over a wider area during an impact. This aims to reduce the risk of sports-related oral and dental injuries such as tooth fracture, tooth displacement, or complete avulsion from its socket.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Sports Medicine journal shows that the risk of orofacial injury is higher in groups not using mouthguards during sports compared to those who do. This result explains why it is important not only to wear a mouthguard but also for it to be in a condition that can maintain its protective function.
Over time, a crushed, thinned, or loosened mouthguard may not exhibit the same mechanical properties it had when first manufactured. Furthermore, a mouthguard that no longer fits correctly over the teeth can move during an impact. Therefore, a mouthguard should not be regarded merely as “I can still wear it in my mouth.”

10 Signs That Your Mouthguard Needs to Be Replaced

Regardless of the calendar, it is important to check your mouthguard if any of the following changes are noticed:
  1. If the protector doesn’t fit as snugly as before: If it easily falls out when the mouth is opened or needs to be constantly pushed back into place with the tongue, it may indicate a loss of fit.
  2. If cracks have formed: Cracks, especially in areas subjected to impact or intense biting, may indicate a compromise in the material’s integrity.
  3. If it has thinned significantly: A serious reduction in the protector’s thickness, especially over the front teeth and biting surfaces, can affect its protective quality.
  4. If the edges are torn or have become irregular: Damaged edges can affect not only performance but also lip, cheek, and gum comfort.
  5. If its shape has distorted: Hot water, high temperatures inside a car, or incorrect cleaning methods can lead to deformation in some thermoplastic materials.
  6. If imbalance is felt while biting: The contact between the upper and lower teeth on the protector may have changed.
  7. If dental treatment has been performed: After a new filling, crown, implant-supported restoration, or other significant changes, the fit of the existing protector should be re-evaluated.
  8. If teeth have moved: Orthodontic treatment, retainer use, or natural tooth movements can make the old protector incompatible.
  9. If new teeth are erupting in a child: The oral structure can change quite rapidly during the mixed dentition period.
  10. If bad odor or surface degradation persists despite cleaning: The material’s surface structure may be damaged, and professional evaluation may be required.

Can a Custom-Made Mouthguard Be Used for Longer?

Custom-made mouthguards are prepared based on the user’s dental measurements or digital scan. Therefore, they can be designed to fit the teeth more precisely compared to standard off-the-shelf mouthguards.
The Academy for Sports Dentistry emphasizes the importance of factors such as fit, retention, adequate thickness, and balanced occlusion in properly fitting custom-made athletic mouthguards. The institution also recommends that the mouthguard be professionally checked at regular intervals, and the frequency of these checks should be determined according to the athlete’s age, the sport they play, and the care of the appliance.
The 2025 recommendations for custom-made athletic mouthguards published in the journal Dental Traumatology also point out that custom-made mouthguards must meet specific criteria regarding fit, comfort, material thickness, maintenance, and regular clinical evaluation. The same guideline states that deformed or irregularly shaped mouthguards should be replaced.
Therefore, the idea that “since it is custom-made, it can be used for years without being checked” is not correct. A high-quality custom-made mouthguard may be durable; however, if the teeth change or the material wears out, the fit may no longer be ideal, even if the protector itself appears sound.

Why Should Mouthguards Be Checked More Frequently in Children?

One of the most important factors determining the lifespan of a mouthguard in children is growth and dental development. The shedding of primary teeth, the eruption of permanent teeth, jaw growth, and the natural repositioning of teeth can alter the fit of a mouthguard that was ideal just a few months prior.
Therefore, continuing to use a mouthguard in children just because “there is no crack in the mouthguard” may not be correct. Even if the mouthguard looks intact from the outside, it might be applying pressure to a newly erupting tooth or no longer adequately covering some teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry supports the use of properly fitting mouthguards in preventing sports-related orofacial injuries and recommends that dentists play an active role in protective appliances, especially in children at high risk of orofacial trauma. Detailed recommendations can be found in AAPD’s policy on preventing sports-related orofacial injuries.
Within the scope of Melsadent’s Pediatric Dentistry (Pedodontics) services, children’s tooth development, dental traumas, and preventive dentistry practices can be evaluated together.

When Should a Mouthguard Be Replaced While Wearing Braces?

Athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment are a special group regarding mouthguards. In fixed braces treatment, teeth move under controlled conditions for months. Therefore, a mouthguard that fits the teeth very well at the beginning of the treatment may not show the same fit in the following months.
Furthermore, the possibility of brackets and wires causing injuries to the lip and cheek tissues should also be considered. For this reason, the selection and checks of mouthguards for athletes wearing braces should be evaluated in conjunction with the orthodontic treatment plan.
Detailed information on how orthodontic treatment moves teeth over time can be found on Melsadent’s Braces Treatment page.
If the existing mouthguard starts to feel too tight, becomes difficult to put on and take off, or puts pressure on some brackets while orthodontics is ongoing, it would be more appropriate to show the mouthguard to a dentist or orthodontist instead of forcing its use.

How is an Athlete’s Mouthguard Planned for Those Undergoing Clear Aligner Treatment?

Clear aligner treatment and an athlete’s mouthguard are not the same appliance. The primary purpose of orthodontic clear aligners is to move teeth to their predetermined positions. The purpose of an athlete’s mouthguard is to help protect teeth and surrounding tissues against impacts that may occur during sports.
Since the position of the teeth changes regularly during clear aligner treatment, the usability of the same mouthguard for a long period should be evaluated separately. Therefore, it is important for a person who participates in intense contact sports to inform their dentist about their sports habits when their orthodontic plan is being prepared.
Melsadent’s content on digital approaches in orthodontics and clear aligner planning explains in detail how tooth movements are planned digitally.

Can Digital Intraoral Scanning Be Used in Mouthguard Production?

In modern dentistry, alongside traditional impressions, digital intraoral scanners are increasingly used for the production of custom appliances. With digital scanning, the three-dimensional surface geometry of teeth can be transferred to a computer environment and form the basis for designing personalized dental appliances.
The Academy for Sports Dentistry states that digital scanning and digital models can be used among current mouthguard production methods. One of the advantages of digital records is that they can help compare the condition of the oral structure at different periods.
More information about the digital methods used at Melsadent can be obtained from the Intraoral Scanner and Digital Dentistry page.

Is the Replacement Period the Same for Ready-Made Mouthguards and Custom-Made Mouthguards?

No. The fit, material properties, thickness, and durability of mouthguards prepared with different production methods may not be the same.
Ready-made stock mouthguards may offer a limited fit to the user’s oral structure. Although ‘boil-and-bite’ products shaped in hot water can be customized, it is possible for the material to thin in some areas or for an non-ideal fit to occur during use and shaping.
Custom-made sports mouthguards, on the other hand, can be prepared using a dental model or a digital impression. In the current position statement of the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the preparation of custom-made and properly fitting mouthguards under dental supervision is supported.
However, custom production does not make the mouthguard usable for a lifetime. When changes occur in the user’s dental structure, a new impression or scan may be required.

Should Mouthguards Be Replaced More Frequently in Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA, and Combat Sports?

In combat sports, there is a high probability of direct impact to the mouth and jaw area. Additionally, athletes may bite their mouthguards forcefully during training and competition. These two factors can lead to faster mechanical wear and tear on the material.
Therefore, it may not be sufficient for an athlete involved in a high-contact sport to only take their mouthguard out of its box and inspect it once a year. A safer approach is to visually examine the mouthguard before use and have its fit professionally evaluated during regular dental check-ups.
If a crack, crush, sharp edge, or permanent deformation occurs in the mouthguard after an impact, the need for its replacement should be assessed instead of waiting for the next competition.

Are Mouthguards Necessary in Football, Basketball, and Other Team Sports?

Although most people only think of boxing or American football when mouthguards are mentioned, dental injuries can occur in numerous sports where impacts to the face, collisions with opponents, falls, or equipment contact can happen.
A position statement on preventing orofacial trauma during sport, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2024, highlights the importance of raising awareness among athletes regarding mouthguard use.
When evaluating which sport requires mouthguard use, not only the name of the sport but also the level of contact, player’s position, past traumas, age, existing restorations, and individual risks can be considered.

Does Biting a Mouthguard Shorten Its Lifespan?

Yes. Constantly chewing or biting forcefully on the mouthguard during sports can lead to the material thinning over time, its surface becoming uneven, and tearing in some areas.
Wear can occur more quickly, especially in athletes who have a habit of chewing their mouthguard during stressful moments. Recommendations for personalized athlete mouthguards dated 2025 also state that chewing the mouthguard is harmful.
If you constantly have to clench your teeth to keep the mouthguard in place, the problem might not just be a habit. The mouthguard might not be providing enough retention. A properly fitting personalized athlete mouthguard is designed not to shift unnecessarily during use.

Does Hot Water Damage Mouthguards?

Since many athletic mouthguards are made from thermoplastic materials, high temperatures can cause them to change shape. Specifically, cleaning with boiling or very hot water, leaving the mouthguard in direct sunlight, or exposing it to high temperatures inside a car during summer months can increase the risk of material deformation.
Even if a deformed mouthguard appears intact at first glance, it might no longer fit the teeth as it should. Therefore, the cleaning and storage method should be appropriate for the material used and in accordance with the dentist’s recommendations.

How to Clean a Mouthguard to Extend its Lifespan?

Proper care can positively affect the lifespan of a mouthguard, however, no cleaning method can make a physically worn-out mouthguard safe again.
  • After use, rinse the mouthguard with water of an appropriate temperature.
  • If necessary, use a soft brush and an appropriate cleaner.
  • Follow the cleaning methods recommended by the manufacturer or your dentist.
  • Avoid very hot or boiling water.
  • Do not leave the protector completely closed and in a humid environment for a long time.
  • Store in a protective case that provides ventilation.
  • Protect from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
  • Store in a place out of reach of pets.
  • Do not use methods that can cut or abrade the surface of the protector.
The 2025 athlete mouthguard recommendations also emphasize the importance of cleaning after use, appropriate disinfection methods, and storing at room temperature in a ventilated case.

Must a Mouthguard That Starts to Smell Bad Be Replaced?

A bad smell alone does not always mean the protector needs to be replaced. Inadequate cleaning, storage in a humid environment, and surface build-up can cause odors.
However, if the odor persists despite proper cleaning, if the surface of the protector has become rough, or if its color or material structure has noticeably changed, a dentist’s evaluation would be appropriate.
It should also be remembered that mouthguard hygiene does not replace oral care. It is important that teeth are clean before using the protector, that the appliance is cleaned regularly, and that general oral hygiene is maintained. Melsadent’s 8 Effective Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy contains additional recommendations for daily oral care.

Can an Old Mouthguard Be Used After Dental Treatment?

After a treatment that may cause a change in the shape or position of the teeth, the mouthguard may need to be re-evaluated. Especially after crowns, bridges, implant-supported restorations, large fillings, or orthodontic treatments, the geometry of the tooth surfaces may change.
It is possible for the old guard to exert excessive pressure on the new restoration, or conversely, to not provide sufficient retention in that area. In such a case, forcing the guard into place is not recommended.
After dental treatment, rather than the criterion of “the guard still fits in my mouth,” it should be evaluated whether it properly adapts to all teeth and the bite.

Are a Night Guard and an Athletic Mouthguard the Same Thing?

No. Although their appearances may be similar, a night guard and an athletic mouthguard are designed for different purposes.
A night guard or occlusal splint can be used in selected cases to manage the mechanical effects of bruxism, meaning teeth clenching and grinding, on the teeth. An athletic mouthguard, on the other hand, is designed to reduce the impact of external blows on the teeth and surrounding tissues.
Therefore, it should not be assumed that a night guard will automatically provide adequate protection during sports, or that an athletic mouthguard can be used in place of a night guard.
If you have a complaint of teeth clenching, you can review Melsadent’s Teeth Clenching (Bruxism) Treatment and Night Guard guide.

When Should a Night Guard Be Replaced?

There is no fixed replacement period for a night guard that fits everyone. While a person with severe bruxism can significantly wear down their night guard in a short period, a splint made of a different material used under lower mechanical stress can be used for a much longer time.
A check-up is required if a hole forms in the night guard, or if there is significant wear, cracking, loosening, failure to fit the teeth, or a change in bite sensation.
Since bruxism can also be associated with tooth wear and complaints in the jaw area, one should not solely focus on replacing the appliance. In Melsadent’s Jaw Joint (Temporomandibular) Disorders guide, symptoms related to the jaw joint and surrounding muscles are discussed in detail.

What to Do If the Mouthguard Starts to Feel Tight on the Teeth?

If the mouthguard feels significantly tighter on the teeth compared to the first few days, it might be a sign of a change in the oral structure or the shape of the mouthguard. Especially in children, new tooth eruption, tooth movements during orthodontic treatment, or new restorations in adults can cause this situation.
Attempting to loosen, cut, or reshape the mouthguard at home with hot water can damage its custom design. The most appropriate approach is to take the existing mouthguard to a dentist for an assessment of its fit.

Should a Mouthguard Continue to Be Used If It Becomes Loose?

A well-fitting sports mouthguard is expected not to move unnecessarily during use. If it falls out while speaking, shifts position while running, or constantly needs to be held in place by clenching the teeth, there might be a fit issue.
Instead of continuing to use a loose mouthguard, the reason for its looseness needs to be determined. The tooth structure might have changed, the material might have deformed over time, or the initial fit of the guard might not have been sufficient.

Should a Mouthguard Be Replaced After an Impact?

A mouthguard does not necessarily need to be discarded automatically after every impact. However, after a strong impact, both the mouthguard and the teeth should be carefully evaluated.
If the guard has cracks, permanent indentations, tears, or changes in shape, professional evaluation is required before reusing it. Similarly, if there is pain, sensitivity, looseness, fracture, or discoloration in the tooth, a dentist should be consulted even if the visible damage is minor.
Athlete mouthguards help reduce the risk of trauma, but no guard eliminates the possibility of injury 100%.

Does a Mouthguard Prevent Concussions?

The primary and strongest justification for using mouthguards is to help protect the mouth, teeth, and surrounding tissues against sports-related injuries.
Regarding concussions, the statement “wearing a mouthguard definitively prevents concussions” is not scientifically accurate. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis supported the protective effect of mouthguards on orofacial injuries, but showed that their effect on concussions is more limited and uncertain.
Therefore, a mouthguard should not be seen as a substitute for helmets or other sports safety equipment, but rather as part of a comprehensive injury prevention approach.

Is It Mandatory to Replace the Mouthguard at the Beginning of Every Sports Season?

There is no universal rule stating that a new mouthguard must be made automatically for every athlete every season. However, the beginning of a new sports season is an extremely opportune time to check the mouthguard.
Especially for a mouthguard that has been used intensively during the previous season, it is beneficial to evaluate it before the new season in the following aspects:
  • Does it fit the teeth perfectly?
  • Does it move during use?
  • Is there a noticeable reduction in its thickness?
  • Are there any cracks or tears?
  • Has deformation occurred at its edges?
  • Has any dental treatment been performed since the last check?
  • Have new teeth erupted for the child or young athlete?
  • Have tooth positions changed due to orthodontic treatment?
If there are no issues as a result of these checks, the mouthguard’s use can be continued, subject to the dentist’s evaluation. If a problem is detected, a new custom mouthguard can be planned by taking new impressions or a digital scan.

Should Professional Athletes’ Mouthguards Be Checked More Frequently?

Mouthguards of professional or semi-professional athletes with high training frequency are naturally exposed to more usage cycles and mechanical stress. The wear rate of a mouthguard for someone who plays sports once a week may not be the same as for an athlete who trains almost every day of the week.
Therefore, for professional athletes, instead of solely a calendar-based replacement plan, usage intensity, the contact level of the sport, and the physical condition of the current mouthguard should be taken into consideration.
The Academy for Sports Dentistry also states that the frequency of professional checks should be individualized based on the athlete’s age, the demands of the sport, and the maintenance conditions of the appliance.

Can an Old Mouthguard Harm Teeth?

Continued use of a mouthguard that has lost its fit or is physically deteriorated can lead to unwanted pressure points, soft tissue irritation, or reduced comfort of use. It should be remembered that the oral structure changes, especially in children during their developmental period or during active orthodontic treatment.
If wearing the mouthguard causes pain, if a prolonged feeling of pressure remains on the teeth after it is removed, or if it causes sores in the mouth, an evaluation should be made instead of continuing to use it.

What Can Be Evaluated During a Mouthguard Check-up at Melsadent?

The decision to replace a mouthguard is not made solely based on the age of the product. In a clinical evaluation, the fit of the mouthguard with the user’s current dental structure can be considered together.
  • Current condition of teeth and gums
  • Fit and retention of the mouthguard on the teeth
  • Cracking, perforation, and wear in the material
  • Loss of thickness in different regions of the mouthguard
  • Contact relationship of upper and lower teeth
  • Newly placed fillings, crowns, or other restorations
  • Orthodontic movements
  • New tooth eruption and growth in children
  • Type of sport and contact level
  • Past dental traumas
  • Mouthguard usage and maintenance habits
When deemed necessary, a new custom mouthguard can be planned by taking a new impression or digital scan of the current oral structure.

What is the Most Important Rule for Mouthguard Replacement?

The most important rule is fit and physical condition, rather than the calendar.
The idea of “it hasn’t been a year yet, I can continue using it” is no more accurate than the idea of “it’s been over a year, I must throw it away.” The key factors determining the actual lifespan of the mouthguard are changes in the oral structure, the condition of the material, and whether the protective function is still intact.
Especially in children, those undergoing orthodontic treatment, individuals participating in high-contact sports, and athletes who bite their mouthguard forcefully, more frequent check-ups may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a mouthguard be replaced?

There is no fixed annual limit applicable to everyone. For adults, a check-up before each sports season is good practice. If the mouthguard is loose, thin, cracked, or deformed, it may need to be replaced regardless of its usage period.

Is it necessary to replace a mouthguard every year?

It is not mandatory for every user. However, for individuals who regularly participate in sports, a professional fit check at least once a year or before the new sports season can help determine if replacement is needed.

How often should children’s mouthguards be replaced?

It is not appropriate to give a single fixed period for children. More frequent check-ups may be necessary than for adults due to new teeth erupting and jaw development. It should be evaluated when the mouthguard starts to feel tight, loose, or no longer covers some teeth.

How can you tell if a mouthguard is worn out?

Cracks, tears, thinning, hardening, permanent deformation, sharp edges, poor fit, and dislodging during use are among the most important warning signs.

If a mouthguard becomes loose, does it need to be replaced?

Looseness can be an indicator of a significant fit issue. It should be checked by a dentist, especially if the guard falls out when the mouth is opened or if it constantly needs to be held in place by the teeth.

Should a mouthguard continue to be used if it feels tight on the teeth?

Newly developed significant tightness can be an indication of a change in the shape of the teeth or the guard. Especially in children and those undergoing orthodontic treatment, it should be checked rather than forcing the use of the guard.

Can people with braces use the same mouthguard for a long time?

Because teeth are constantly moving during orthodontic treatment, the fit of the existing mouthguard may change over time. Therefore, it is advisable to have the athletic mouthguard evaluated during orthodontic check-ups.

Is a custom-made mouthguard better than a ready-made mouthguard?

Current sports dentistry recommendations support custom-made and properly fitting athletic mouthguards. Custom design can allow for individual planning of tooth structure, sport type, fit, retention, and material thickness.

Is a small crack in the mouthguard important?

Yes. A seemingly small crack can be an indication that the material’s integrity has started to compromise and it may grow over time. Cracks in impact areas, in particular, should be professionally evaluated.

Can I clean the mouthguard with boiling water?

Not recommended. Some thermoplastic materials can change shape at high temperatures. The guard should be cleaned according to the material used and the manufacturer’s or dentist’s instructions.

Does a mouthguard need to be replaced if it has yellowed?

Color change alone is not sufficient for a decision to change. However, if the color change is accompanied by bad odor, surface deterioration, crack, hardening, or deformation, it should be evaluated.

Can I play sports with a night guard?

The design purposes of a night guard and an athletic mouthguard are different. A guard prepared for bruxism should not be assumed to provide sufficient protection for impact sports. The appropriate guard for sports should be evaluated separately.

Does using a mouthguard completely prevent tooth fractures?

No. No guard can prevent all injuries 100%. However, scientific data show that using a mouthguard helps reduce the risk of sports-related orofacial injuries.

Should a mouthguard be changed after getting a new filling or crown?

It is not always necessary to change it, but the fit should be re-checked. If the restoration has changed the shape of the tooth, the existing guard may not fit properly on the new surface.

Should a mouthguard be replaced immediately after an impact?

It is not necessary to automatically replace it after every impact. However, if a crack, crush, tear, or deformation has occurred after an impact, it should be evaluated before being reused. If there are signs of trauma to the teeth, a dental examination is also required.

Do mouthguards wear out faster in professional athletes?

Due to intense training and competition, as the usage period increases, mechanical wear and tear may increase. Therefore, in professional and high-contact athletes, check-ups can be planned more frequently according to usage intensity.

Evaluate Your Mouthguard Based on Its Fit, Not on a Schedule

A mouthguard is a small but important piece of sports equipment for oral and dental health. It’s not enough to simply purchase or custom-make a mouthguard; it needs to continue to fit correctly and maintain its structural integrity over time.
For adult athletes, every new sports season is a good reminder to check the existing mouthguard. However, for children, adolescents, those undergoing orthodontic treatment, and individuals participating in high-contact sports, more frequent checks may be necessary.
If your mouthguard has become loose, too tight, cracked, thinned, changed shape, or if you’ve had significant dental treatment since its last use, a dental evaluation is advisable to determine if it’s time for a replacement.
At Melsadent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, a personalized approach can be created by evaluating your oral and dental structure, the sport you play, your current dental treatments, and the physical condition of your mouthguard.

Scientific and Academic Resources

When Should a Mouthguard Be Replaced

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