Cleaning and Maintaining Your Mouth Guard

A mouth guard is a removable oral device that covers your teeth. Some people wear mouth guards when playing football, hockey, or boxing. In this case, a mouth guard helps protect the mouth and reduce the risk of dental injuries. Mouth guards are in your mouth, and so you must keep them clean. That's because the germs in your mouth multiply on your mouth guard.

Without regular cleaning, bacteria will soon multiply and cause infections or bad breath. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean mouth guard, from daily routines to deep sanitizing tips.

Understanding Mouth Guard

A custom mouth guard is an orthodontic device that helps to protect your teeth during sports activities. They are the protective gears that act as a barrier for teeth and gums, usually worn on the maxillary arch. These guards play an essential role in preventing and reducing any concussion during activities by absorbing forces. However, mouth guards require proper maintenance for optimal functioning, like any other orthodontic device. Let us get an insight into the maintenance of mouth guards and how they keep your smile safe and sound.

Why Mouth Guard Hygiene Matters?

Wearing a mouth guard means it’s in your mouth for hours, whether you're sleeping or playing sports. That warm, damp environment? It’s ideal for bacteria, plaque, and even mold if you’re not cleaning it regularly. If hygiene slips, it can lead to:

• Bad breath.
• Tooth decay or irritated gums.
• Infections in the mouth.
• Yellowing or damage to the guard.

Keeping your guard clean isn’t just about comfort; it is essential for your overall health.

Daily Night Guard Cleaning Routine

Taking care of your night guard starts the second you wake up. Here's how to keep it clean every day:

Rinse Right Away

As soon as you remove it, rinse it under lukewarm (not hot!) water to wash off saliva and debris.

Brush It Gently

Grab a soft-bristled toothbrush, not the one you use for your teeth, and a gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap. Gently scrub the inside and outside.

Rinse Again & Let It Air Dry

Give it a final rinse and leave it to air dry in a clean, breathable container.

Deep Cleaning: Best Way to Clean a Night Guard

You don’t need fancy tools to keep your mouth guard clean. You can give it a thorough cleaning with simple supplies you already have at home.

Using Toothpaste

One of the easiest ways to clean your mouth guard is with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. For hygiene’s sake, use a separate toothbrush just for your guard.

Important Note: Avoid stiff brushes and gritty toothpaste; they can scratch or damage your guard.

Steps:

• Rinse your mouth guard under cool water.
• Apply a small dab of toothpaste to your brush.
• Gently brush all surfaces of the mouth guard.
• Rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry completely.

Soap and Water

Mild soap and water can effectively clean your mouth guard, ensure the soap is alcohol-free to avoid damaging the material.

Examples include:

• Antibacterial soap
• Castile soap
• Dish soap

How to Use It?

• Rinse the guard under cool water.
• Add a little soap directly onto the guard.
• Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub it until it lathers.
• Rinse well to remove all soap.
• Allow it to dry completely before storing.

Mouthwash

Alcohol-free mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen up your breath. Just make sure the mouthwash is gentle on the plastic.

Steps:

• Rinse your mouth guard with cool water.
• Pour a capful of mouthwash into a clean glass.
• Add enough water to fully submerge your mouth guard.
• Let it soak for 30 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry.

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is great for removing buildup and neutralizing odors.

Here’s what to do:

• Mix equal parts baking soda and water in a bowl to make a paste.
• Dip your toothbrush into the paste.
• Gently scrub the mouth guard.
• Rinse with cool water and let it dry completely.

Deep Cleaning with Vinegar & Hydrogen Peroxide

For a deep, disinfecting clean, use this two-step method with items from your pantry or medicine cabinet.

Here’s how to clean a mouth guard with this method:

• Rinse your mouth guard with cool water.
• Place it in a glass and pour in enough white vinegar to cover it.
• Let it soak for 30 minutes.
• Rinse the mouth guard and glass thoroughly.
• Fill the glass with hydrogen peroxide to cover the mouth guard.
• Let it soak another 30 minutes.
• Rinse well and allow the mouth guard to dry completely.

Can I Use Chemicals to Clean My Mouth Guard?

If your mouth guard is starting to feel a little too funky and regular cleaning isn’t cutting it, you can try using an over-the-counter (OTC) non-abrasive denture cleaner for a deeper clean.

Most of these cleaners contain sodium hypochlorite, a type of bleach. But don’t worry, when used exactly as the label instructs, it’s safe for both your mouth guard and your health.

Many OTC cleaners contain synthetic fragrances or dyes. If you’re sensitive to smells or trying to avoid artificial ingredients, this option might not be ideal for you.

Also, don’t leave your mouth guard soaking too long. Extended exposure can wear down the material.

How to Use OTC Chemical Cleaners?

Soaking Your Mouth Guard

These cleaners come in tablets or powdered packets. When mixed with water, they fizz and dissolve, ready to clean.

Here’s a typical step-by-step:

• Fill a clean glass with warm water (not hot).
• Drop in the tablet or powder.
• Place your mouth guard in the solution.
• Let it soak for 5–10 minutes (or as instructed on the label).
• Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
• Set the mouth guard out to air dry.

Brushing with the Cleaner Solution

Some cleaners can be used to brush your mouth guard. This method should be used as a supplementary step alongside regular soaking for optimal cleanliness.

To use this technique:

• After soaking and rinsing, dip a toothbrush into the leftover solution.
• Gently brush the mouth guard.
• Rinse it again with cool water.
• Let it dry completely before storing.

How to Sanitize a Mouth Guard?

Sanitizing kills lingering germs that cleaning might miss.

• Boiling Water (Only for Boil-and-Bite Types): Submerge for 30 seconds, then let it cool.
• UV Sanitizers: Some storage cases use UV-C light to sanitize your guard.
• Antibacterial Sprays: A quick spray after cleaning adds extra protection.

Always check your manufacturer’s instructions so you don’t accidentally ruin your guard.

Prevent Mold on Your Mouth Guard

Mold on mouth guards is not just gross, it’s dangerous. Here’s how to avoid it:

• Dry It Completely: Moisture promotes mold. Always let your guard dry fully before storing.
• Use a Ventilated Case: Avoid sealed containers while it’s still damp.
• Clean Regularly: Skipping cleanings or leaving the guard in your gym bag or bedside table can encourage mold growth.

If you ever notice black or green spots or a musty smell, replace the mouth guard immediately.

Cleaning Mouth Guard with Vinegar or Baking Soda: Is it Safe?

Yes—when used properly.

• Vinegar kills bacteria and neutralizes smells.
• Baking Soda lifts stains and eliminates odors.

Ensure to rinse it thoroughly after soaking to prevent any lingering taste or residue. Don’t overdo it, daily soaks can wear down softer plastic over time.

When to Replace Your Mouth Guard?

Mouth guard replacement is key to maintaining protection. The life of your mouth guard depends on a few key things:

• The material of your mouth guard
• How often do you use it?
• How well do you care for it?

Signs you need a new mouth guard include:

• Cracks, tears, or holes.
• A fit that feels loose or off.
• Thinning areas or worn-down spots.
• A warped or misshapen form.
• It’s starting to irritate your gums or teeth.
• Persistent bad smells, even after cleaning.
• Discoloration.

Introducing Smilepath Cleansing Solution

Whether it’s protecting your teeth from grinding, easing TMJ symptoms, or shielding your smile on the field, your mouth guard works hard. But who’s protecting it from bacteria, stains, and odors?

Introducing Smilepath Aligner Cleaner; not just for aligners, this powerful, fast-acting formula is a game-changer for night guards, sports guards, and retainers too.

Why Smilepath Is a Perfect Match for Mouth Guards?

Deep Cleaning in Just Minutes

Wave goodbye to built-up plaque, grime, and that not-so-fresh feeling. Smilepath dives deep into every nook and cranny of your mouth guard, clearing out bacteria and buildup so it stays fresh and hygienic, day after day.

Brightens Gently, Without Harsh Chemicals

Over time, mouth guards may start to look dull, stained, or yellowed. Smilepath uses peroxide-free whitening agents that gently restore clarity without harming or warping the plastic material of your mouth guard.

Fights Germs That Cause Odors

Tired of that stale morning breath lingering in your mouth guard? Smilepath targets the bacteria that cause bad smells and replaces them with a clean, minty scent.

No Scrubbing Required

Simply drop your mouth guard into a cup of warm water, add a Smilepath cleaning tablet, and let it fizz for 15 minutes.

Clean Mouth Guard, Healthy Smile

Cleaning your mouth guard isn’t just about fresh breath, it’s about preventing gum irritation, bacterial buildup, and even mold. Whether you wear it nightly to manage bruxism or during contact sports, regular cleaning keeps it safe, comfortable, and effective.

Smilepath Aligner Cleaner + Whitener makes that routine effortless. Specially formulated for all types of dental appliances, not just aligners, it cleans and whitens at the same time. No harsh scrubbing. No toxic chemicals. Just a clean, clear, long-lasting mouth guard, ready to protect your smile.

FAQs