4 Easy Peasy Steps to Clean a Night Guard (Naturally & Safely)
You can use natural solutions like vinegar, gentle cleaners, water, and a toothbrush to clean a night guard. It depends on how often and how deeply you want to clean it.
Keeping it clean is extremely important, whether you grind your teeth at night or wear a night guard for jaw support. A dirty night guard can collect bacteria, plaque, and even develop a foul smell.
Not cleaning properly can lead to mouth infections, bad breath, or gum irritation.
Why Cleaning Your Night Guard Matters
When you wear a night guard, it sits in your mouth for 6–8 hours straight. During this time, it collects:
- Saliva
- Bacteria
- Food particles
- Plaque
Over time, this can make the guard smell bad, look yellow, and even become harmful to your health. According to a study, night guards can become breeding grounds for microorganisms if not cleaned regularly.
4 Steps to Clean a Night Guard Daily
Cleaning your night guard daily is one of the easiest ways to keep it safe, odor-free, and long-lasting. Since the night guard sits in your mouth for several hours while you sleep, it collects a mix of saliva, plaque, and bacteria.
Daily cleaning takes just a few minutes and requires no fancy tools.
1. Rinse It Right After You Wake Up
As soon as you remove the night guard in the morning, please give it a quick but thorough rinse under cool or lukewarm water. This helps wash away the loose saliva, bacteria, and small food particles on the surface.
Never use hot water. It can cause the plastic material of the night guard to warp, especially if it’s custom-molded.
2. Brush It Gently with a Soft Toothbrush
Gently scrub all sides of the night guard, especially the inside where it touches your teeth and gums.
You don’t need to use toothpaste for this. In fact, toothpaste is not recommended, especially those with whitening or abrasive ingredients. It may scratch the surface of the night guard and make it cloudy or rough, which creates even more places for bacteria to hide.
If you prefer, you can use a mild liquid soap (like dish soap or castile soap) and a bit of water to help clean more effectively.
3. Dry It Completely Before Storing
After cleaning, place your night guard on a clean paper towel or a dry, flat surface in a cool area of your room. Return it to its case after letting it air dry completely.
Avoid immediately wiping it with a towel or cloth, which could leave lint or fibers behind. It’s best to let it dry naturally.
It may take fifteen to thirty minutes to dry. Additionally, you can have breakfast and clean your teeth during this period!
4. Store It the Right Way (No Water!)
Once your night guard is fully dry, store it in its original storage case, ideally a ventilated plastic case with holes. These allow airflow and prevent moisture from getting trapped inside, which helps reduce bacteria growth.
Never store your night guard in water.
Even though it seems like water keeps it clean or soft, it promotes bacteria and mold. Long-term soaking can also damage the material and reduce its lifespan.
3 Methods to Deep Clean a Night Guard
Even if you clean your night guard daily, it needs a deep clean at least once a week.
Method 1: Vinegar and Water Soak
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and removes bad smells.
- Step 1: In a cup, combine water and white vinegar equal parts.
- Step 2: Soak the night guard for 20–30 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove and rinse it thoroughly with water.
- Step 4: Let it dry completely before storing.
Method 2: Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste with baking soda and a little water for a more thorough scrub.
- Using a toothbrush, gently apply the paste to the guard.
- Rinse it thoroughly after scrubbing.
Method 3: Hydrogen Peroxide (Occasional Use)
Hydrogen peroxide can be used for disinfecting, but only occasionally.
- Give the night guard a ten-minute soak.
- Then give it a good rinse.
Avoid overusing it, as it may weaken the material over time.
How Often to Clean a Night Guard?
- Daily: Quick rinse and brush.
- Weekly: Deep cleaning with vinegar or baking soda.
- Monthly (optional): Use professional cleaning tablets designed for dental appliances.
A good rule of thumb is: if it looks cloudy, smells bad, or feels sticky, it needs to be cleaned.
Storage Tips for Night Guards
- Never store in water: It can cause bacterial growth.
- Use a ventilated case: This keeps it dry and clean.
- Keep away from heat: Avoid hot water or direct sunlight. It can warp the material.
- Replace your case regularly to avoid bacteria transfer.
Final Thoughts
Your night guard protects your teeth, so protect them by cleaning them properly.
A simple rinse in the morning and a weekly deep clean is all it takes to keep it safe, fresh, and long-lasting.
Need a new night guard or unsure if yours is still hygienic?
Talk to your dentist or connect with Palm Valley Orthodontics to explore custom night guard solutions. A clean and properly fitted night guard is a small step toward better oral health. Please don’t skip it.
People Also Ask
What is the most effective way to clean a night guard?
To maintain hygiene and longevity, it’s best to clean your night guard using white vinegar for a natural antibacterial rinse or baking soda for a gentle yet thorough scrub. For convenience and added freshness, you can also use dentist-approved cleaning tablets designed specifically for oral appliances.
Why do night guards become yellow over time?
Yellowing is often the result of plaque buildup, lingering saliva, and insufficient cleaning. Over time, this combination leads to surface staining and discoloration that can be difficult to reverse if not addressed regularly.
How can I eliminate odor from a night guard?
If your night guard develops an unpleasant smell, soaking it in white vinegar or a solution of baking soda and water can help neutralize odors.
What role does vinegar play in cleaning a night guard?
White vinegar serves as a natural disinfectant. It helps break down mineral deposits, remove surface bacteria, and neutralize lingering odors, making it an effective and affordable option for routine cleaning.
