"Do you store yours in anything special during the day, or just leave it out?"
I definitely wouldn't recommend leaving it out—too much dust and bacteria floating around. I keep mine in a vented case after rinsing with cool water. Makes a noticeable difference in lifespan and freshness...worth trying imo.
Hmm, I've never bothered with vented cases tbh. I just rinse mine and toss it in a regular plastic container—haven't noticed any difference yet. Maybe I'm just lucky, or maybe the dust adds extra flavor...
Haha, the dust adding flavor made me chuckle... honestly though, if it's working for you and you're not noticing any issues, you're probably fine. I tend to be a bit cautious about bacteria buildup (maybe overly cautious?), so I prefer vented cases just to let things dry out properly. But everyone's different—if your mouthguard isn't getting funky or causing irritation, you're probably doing something right. Just keep an eye on it occasionally, and trust your instincts.
Haha, dust seasoning aside, I'd still swap out the mouthguard every year or two max. Even if it looks fine, microscopic wear and tear can build up bacteria... better safe than sorry, right? Plus, fresh mouthguards just feel nicer—like new socks.
"Plus, fresh mouthguards just feel nicer—like new socks."
Haha, that's a perfect comparison. I usually try to stretch mine a bit longer (budget reasons, you know...), but you're totally right about microscopic wear and bacteria buildup. Even if it looks okay, after a while it just feels... off? I've noticed my gums feel healthier when I replace it sooner rather than later. Definitely worth the extra few bucks for peace of mind and comfort.
