5 Warning Signs It's Time to Replace Your Sports Mouthguard

August 09, 2025

Athlete checking the fit of his sports mouthguard to see if it needs replacing

A worn-out sports mouthguard won't protect you when it matters most — and that can be the difference between a winning game and a dental injury. Preparation in sports isn't just about training; it's about using gear you can trust. If your mouthguard feels loose, smells funky, or looks like it's been through too many seasons, it's time to think about a replacement.

In this blog, we'll cover five signs your mouthguard has reached the end of its lifespan, how to keep it in top shape, why reliable sports dental gear is essential, and how ClearClub can help protect your smile — whether you're in the gym or on the field.

5 Signs You Need a New Sports Mouthguard

#1: End of Season? Time to Retire Your Sports Mouthguard

Team celebrating with a championship cup—end of season and time to replace mouthguards

As an athlete, you push through intense training, hard-earned wins, and the occasional loss. Your body grows stronger, your mind sharper, and your skills more refined. But while you're leveling up, your mouthguard absorbs the impact. Every session leaves a mark, and over time those marks add up. An out of shape guard can reduce the level of protection you need during play.

Want to know how a good sports guard can help you finish every season strong? Check this out: Playing Contact Sports? Here’s Why You Need a Mouth Guard

#2: Your Mouthguard is Worn-Out from Repeated Blows

Player holding a damaged mouthguard, checking if it needs replacement

Did you know that bulkiness isn't the only feature that makes custom-fit sports mouthguards protective? The technology behind them goes beyond size. The outer layer, made from shock-resistant material, absorbs impact, while the soft interior cushions your teeth to reduce discomfort during gameplay. However, with repeated blows, both layers can wear down over time, making your mouthguard less effective at protecting your smile.

#3: New Dental Work Affects Your Mouthguard Fit

Dentist evaluating new dental work that could impact mouthguard fit

It's easy to overlook, but recent dental work done by your dentist can absolutely affect the fit of your sports mouthguard. These changes may include dental restorations like crowns and bridges, tooth extractions, major dental fillings (or pasta), composite bonding, onlays or inlays, and dental implants. Since your custom sports guard is molded specifically to the shape of your teeth, even small adjustments can affect its fit and, more importantly, how well it protects your mouth during impact.

#4: Changing Bite? Replace Your Sports Guard

Dental model showing bite alignment and how it affects mouthguard fit

You might be surprised to learn that our teeth don't stop developing until our mid-twenties. That's because our third molars, better known as wisdom teeth, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These final sets of permanent teeth are considered vestigial, meaning they once served a purpose in early human evolution but are no longer essential today.

Before or after getting braces, your dentist may recommend having them removed — especially if they're impacted, or growing sideways into neighboring teeth. Once removed, your bite can shift, which means the sports guard you had made beforehand might no longer fit properly.

#5: Bad Odor Means It's Time for a New Guard

Yellowing mouthguard showing signs of bacteria and odor—time for a replacement

A foul-smelling sports mouthguard usually means one thing: it's loaded with bacteria. Without proper hygiene and regular replacement, your mouthguard can become the perfect breeding ground for harmful microbes — the same culprit behind tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. According to Healthline, these are the same bacteria that produce volatile sulfure compounds (VSCs), the gases responsible for unpleasant-smelling breath.

If cleaning isn't cutting it anymore, it's a clear sign your mouthguard needs replacing — not just for hygiene, but to keep it functional during gameplay.

Not sure if your mouthguard smells? Here's how to tell: 5 Signs Your Mouthguard Is Causing Bad Breath — and How to Fix It

Why an Effective Sports Mouthguard Matters for Dental Protection

Before anything else, wearing a sports mouthguard, even when it isn't required, should be seriously considered before any high-impact activity or workout. The Cleveland Clinic notes that using a mouthguard significantly reduces the risk of dental injuries during gameplay. The same applies to weightlifting. When we engage in intense workouts, we tend to clench our teeth without realizing it. According to Greatist, a Healthline Media company, wearing a mouthguard helps support jaw positioning, encourages safe clenching, and can even make breathing easier.

But wearing just any mouthguard isn't enough. It needs to be in good condition and properly fitted. A high-quality, undamaged mouthguard not only protects your teeth but may also improve your performance. When you aren't distracted by discomfort or worried about injury, staying focused will be a piece of cake. The right mouthguard cushions your teeth and absorbs impact, which helps prevent cracked enamel, jaw injuries, and other forms of dental trauma.

Mouthguard Maintenance and Hygiene

If none of the warning signals mentioned above apply to the current state of your sports mouthguard, we think it's best to focus on proper maintenance instead. You can start by getting the right tools.

✅ Must-Have Items for Cleaning Your Mouthguard

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and antimicrobial soap. Avoid hard-bristled brushes and abrasive toothpaste, as these can damage your mouthguard and reduce its effectiveness in terms of fit and protection.

For best results, try adding a pump of our Cleaning + Whitening Foam while wearing your mouthguard. It freshens your guard while whitening your teeth.

🤔 Alternative Ways to Clean Your Mouthguard (Use with Caution)

If you prefer home remedies involving easy-to-find ingredients, here are a few options, but use them with caution and never too often:

Gentle, mild toothpaste (no whitening agents or baking soda)
OTC, non-abrasive denture cleaner tablets
Diluted vinegar (short soaks only)
Diluted mouthwash (alcohol-free)
Hydrogen peroxide (only occasionally, and never combined with vinegar)

⚠️ Mouthguard Cleaning Safety Tips

Avoid using baking soda (too abrasive)
Limit hydrogen peroxide use (it can degrade material over time)
Match cleaning methods to your mouthguard (custom-fit guards require gentler care)
Adjust cleaning frequency and method (soaking or scrubbing) to prolong guard lifespan

Need a full step-by-step breakdown? This blog has you covered: How to Clean Night Guards [Expert Tips and Advice]

Need a New Sports Mouthguard? Try ClearClub

Click the image to view product details

If your sports mouthguard showed one or more of the warning signs we listed above, like a loose fit, foul odor, or visible wear, it's time to replace it with one that's just as effective and durable as what dentists provide—at a fraction of the usual cost.

ClearClub's Sports Mouthguard is custom-molded for relief and protection. It's made from FDA-approved, BPA-free, latex-free, and non-allergenic materials, so it protects your teeth without sacrificing comfort.

ClearClub Cleaner + Whitening Foam for sensitive teeth

Click the image to view product details

To help control bacteria buildup, consider adding our Cleaning + Whitening Foam to your routine. It's safe for daily use, gentle on sensitive teeth, and works best when worn overnight. It's also completely safe to swallow.

For long-term care, you can subscribe to our renewal plan. Both the sports mouthguard and the foam are eligible, so you can get fresh replacements delivered straight to your door.

Don't wait for your mouthguard to break during the action. Get your replacement now.

Get Yours Today

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Do all athletes need a mouthguard, or just those in contact sports?

Sports mouthguards aren't just for contact sport athletes. They're also useful for those in non-contact activities like gymnastics, skateboarding, or mountain biking. The real purpose of a mouthguard is to protect your teeth from impact—whether it's caused by a fall, flying equipment, or accidental bump.

❓ What kind of mouthguard is best for sports?

A poorly fitting mouthguard can do more harm than good. It can distract you during games or workout and may not fully protect your teeth on impact, reducing its overall effectiveness.

❓ Can wearing a mouthguard impact how I play?

Not if it works well. A properly fitting mouthguard protects your teeth during sports or workouts—and gives you peace of mind knowing you're less likely to get injured.

Looking for something else? Check out our full FAQ section.