How to Clean Your Mouth Guard

Mouth guards are essential to keeping your teeth safe during sports or at night if you grind your teeth. However, without proper care, your mouth guard can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

A dirty mouth guard not only smells unpleasant, but it can also cause mouth sores and even infections. Luckily, keeping your mouth guard clean and safe is quick and easy.

How to Clean Your Mouth Guard

Wash your mouth guard immediately after you take it out. Some night guards are made of a thermoplastic material, which warps if the water is too warm.

Dentists recommend using lukewarm or cold water before using a tiny bit of fragrance-free dish soap. Clean your mouth guard thoroughly with soap and rinse it again.

Do this every time you finish using your mouth guard. After washing or soaking, let it dry by leaving it in its case with the lid open.

Once the mouth guard is completely dry, keep it safe in its case. The case should also be dry before closing.

How Often Should You Soak Your Mouth Guard?

You should soak your mouth guard at least once a week to prevent bacteria buildup, giving your mouth guard a deep clean. You can use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water or denture cleaning tablets and water.

Use a 1:1 mixture of cool water and standard 3% hydrogen peroxide (or soak briefly in undiluted 3% peroxide). Then, soak your mouth guard for 10 to 20 minutes or overnight for a deeper clean.

Be sure to rinse it thoroughly before wearing it again. If you don’t want to use hydrogen peroxide, consider using Efferdent Denture Cleanser or Efferdent Overnight Denture Cleanser.

Can You Use A Toothbrush to Clean Your Mouth Guard?

Yes, using a toothbrush to clean your mouth guard is okay. Consider using denture cleaning toothpaste for a more thorough cleaning.

Gently brush your mouth guard with the denture toothpaste and rinse it thoroughly. Once you’re done, leave it to dry in its case with the lid open.

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Your Mouth Guard?

First and foremost, don’t put your mouth guard in the dishwasher. Putting it in the dishwasher can ruin the mouth guard completely.

Avoid using whitening toothpaste when brushing your mouth guard. This type of toothpaste can be too abrasive and damage the mouth guard over time.

Don’t put it in boiling water, because the heat can warp the guard’s shape. Finally, avoid bleach altogether, and keep hydrogen peroxide at or below the standard 3% household concentration recommended for oral-appliance disinfection.

Best Denture Cleaners for Mouth Guards

If you don’t want to use dish soap, denture toothpaste, or hydrogen peroxide, an over-the-counter denture cleaner is a great alternative for cleaning your mouth guard.

These products sanitize and remove stains. Some of the best denture cleaning products have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. 

These products include:

• Efferdent Denture Cleanser
• Efferdent Overnight Denture Cleanser
• Fresh’n Brite Denture Cleaning Paste

A relatively new method of cleaning your mouth guard involves teeth whitening foam. This helps clean your mouth guard and whiten your teeth simultaneously.

Snow teeth whitening foam can be used overnight to help clean your mouthguard and gently whiten your teeth.

How Do Mouth Guards Get Dirty?

Mouth guards spend plenty of time in a warm, moist environment. This makes it the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mold.

A slimy layer of bacteria called biofilm and even fungi like Candida can develop on the surface. Over time, this can increase your risk for oral health issues such as mouth sores, infections, or bad breath.

Sports mouthguards, especially soft ones made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), are particularly vulnerable. One study found that mouthguards used by football players contained high bacterial loads after just one practice session.

Keeping your mouth guard clean doesn't need to be a hassle. Incorporate these weekly deep-clean strategies alongside your daily routine for optimal protection.

How to Prevent Stains on Your Mouth Guard?

Mouthguards often turn yellow or brown over time, especially if you regularly consume sports drinks, energy drinks, coffee, or tea during games or practices.

Once it’s stained, getting rid of it is nearly impossible. Here are a few things you can do to prevent stains:

• Remove your mouth guard before drinking colored drinks.
• Rinse your mouth after eating and drinking if possible.
• Use a breathable, vented storage case after cleaning. 
• Add a silica desiccant packet to your case to absorb excess moisture.

Listen In Q&A Format

How Should You Clean Your Mouth Guard?

NewMouth Podcast

When It’s Time for a Replacement (FAQs)

If your mouth guard has bite marks, cracks, persistent odors, and visible stains, consider getting a new one, especially if the wear and tear has compromised its effectiveness.

Most dental insurers and FSAs offer replacement allowances every two to five years, particularly if you use a custom-fitted sports mouthguard. Check your coverage details for more info.