5 Effective Ways to Clean the Mouth Guard [+3 Storage Tips]

For a thorough cleanup, make sure to rinse your mouth guard with warm water. 

You can also clean your mouthguard with other substances such as toothpaste, soap & water, and baking soda. 

Keeping your mouthguard is extremely important. A dirty and poorly managed mouthguard is home to bacteria and can cause serious oral health issues, bad breath, and jaw infections.

Failure to comply with the hygienic standards of mouthguards can also turn them yellow. 

What is a Mouthguard? 

It is a specially designed protective oral device that is worn over teeth and gums to prevent injury or grinding. 

Typically worn during sports such as boxing and relaxing. People who suffer from sleep apnea and teeth grinding, and use a mouthguard. Nightguards are those mouthguards that are used during sleep. 

Mouth guards help protect teeth against injuries that can otherwise cause jaw injuries, leading to malocclusion. 

Why is Cleaning Mouthguards Essential? 

Mouthguards act as a shield over teeth and gums, making them a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs, leading to plague and infections. 

Daily cleaning of mouthguards is highly pertinent to avoid serious dental issues and irreversible dental damage. 

Moreover, a clean mouthguard ensures optimal performance and extends its usage in the long run. 

What is the Daily Cleaning Routine of a Mouthguard? 

Dentists recommend cleaning the mouthguard after each use. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do it. 

Rinse With Warm Saline 

After every removal, rinse the mouthguard with warm water and salt solution.

The antioxidant properties of the saline ensure the elimination of saliva, debris, and germs. 

Brush with a Toothpaste

Use a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to clean the mouthguard thoroughly. 

Do not use abrasive toothpastes as they can deteriorate the material, leaving gaps for bacterial growth. 

Rinse with Cool Water 

After brushing the mouthguard, rinse it again with cool water to remove any toothpaste residue stuck between the mouthguards. 

Dry It Completely 

Make sure to air dry the mouth guard. To do so, place the mouthguard on a clean, neat, dry surface and let the air do its magic. 

Do not store a wet or damp mouthguard because it can lead to bacterial infestation, making it ineffective. 

How do you Thoroughly Clean the mouthguards? 

Apart from the quick, daily, and easy cleaning methods for mouthguards, here is a list of things that you should do once a week to ensure better oral health: 

Soak it in Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar. 

Take some white vinegar and soak your mouthguard in it for 30 mins. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and then soak it in Hydrogen peroxide for 30 mins. 

After 30 mins, take it out, rinse it, and air-dry it. 

The antiseptic properties of both these chemicals effectively remove any calcium buildup and kill bacteria from the nightguard. 

Clean it With Baking Soda 

Equal parts baking soda and water make a semi-solid paste. Use this paste to clean the mouthguards and gently brush them with a toothbrush. 

Make sure to reach all the areas, and then wash the area with cool water. Let it dry. Baking soda is effective in eliminating any unpleasant odors and killing germs. 

Sentisize it with Mouthwa.sh 

First of all, wash your mouthguard with a warm saline solution.

Add a capful of mouthwash to a cup, followed by three times the amount of water needed to submerge the mouthguard. Soak the mouthguard in this solution for half an hour. 

Remove the mouthguard, rinse it with water and air-dry it. Avoid those mouthwashes that have some alcohol content in them. 

Clean it With an All-Purpose Soap.

Lastly, you can also clean your mouthguard with soap. However, do not use soap if the manufacturer advises otherwise. 

You can use an all-purpose castile or anti-bacterial soap to clean the mouthguard. 

Rinse your mouthguard with water. Then, use two or three droplets of liquid soap and gently clean the mouthguard with a soft toothbrush. 

Once cleaned, rinse it with water and dry it completely. 

Use a Denture Cleaning Tablet

A denture cleaning tablet is an OTC tablet that is widely used to clean mouthguards. 

All you have to do is dissolve a tablet in water, soak your mouthguard in that solution and then wait. 

Remove it and then rinse it. These tablets help to remove any stain or kill the germs. 

How to Store Mouthguards? 

Storing mouthguards is as important as cleaning them. Here is how you can do it: 

Use a Ventilated Case

Make sure to use a sturdy and ventilated case to reduce air circulation. 

A ventilated case is essential because it eliminates bacterial infestation and keeps the mouthguard dry. 

Avoid Heat Exposure 

Do not store your mouthguard in a warm place where heat can reach. Heat or sunlight can damage the shape and integrity of the mouthguards. 

Clean the Case Regularly

Keep the case clean, as bacterial accumulation can also damage the mouthguard. Do not store your mouthguard in a damp case. 

Always dry the case before storing the mouthguard. 

Additional Tips to Keep the Mouthguard Safe 

Here are some additional tips for the use of a mouthguard in the long run: 

Avoid Harsh Chemicals 

Do not use abrasive materials such as bleach and alcohol. These harsh materials can degrade the mouthguard, leading it to disorient quickly. 

Schedule Regular Dental Visits 

Contact your dentist regarding any queries related to maintaining mouthguards. Timely inspection of mouthguards can lead to optimized dental health. 

The Bottom Line 

Mouthguards should be cleaned regularly to avoid any dental complications. Either use quick methods or deep cleaning methods, but make sure to clean the mouthguards thoroughly. 

If you have any further questions about mouthguard cleaning and maintenance, feel free to contact the experts at Palm Valley Orthodontics.