5 Steps to Clean Your Mouthguard at Home 2024

A mouthguard requires proper cleaning and replacement before it expires and causes any mouth infection. It is a removable device that makes it easier to clean and use with oral hygiene. How can I clean my mouthguard at home? 

Palm  Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics suggest using a mouthguard only in severe situations in kids to avoid teeth grinding and temporomandibular joint disorders. If your kid has any dental issues, bring them to PVPD for their first FREE dental checkup. 

Why You Need to Clean Your Mouthguard?

It is necessary to clean your mouthguard after each use as a dental hygiene practice. Your mouth has a lot of bacteria, and if you don’t clean your mouthguard, it can lead to health issues like infections, gum disease, and bad breath. 

In some cases, mold can even grow on a dirty mouthguard and can cause fungal infections in your mouth. Additionally, a mouthwash is a product directly associated with your health. 

So, if you want to maintain your healthy gums and bright smile, use a clean mouthwash, keep it clean by deep cleaning it, and keep it in its case to prevent it from outside residues. 

How To Clean Mouthguards at Home?

There are several ways to keep your mouthguard clean at home, including using essential kitchen ingredients and home supplies. 

If you are on a budget and looking for some effective ways, here they are: 

1: Use toothpaste

Toothpaste is the best dental product; it not only cleans your teeth but is also effective for cleaning the night guard. To clean the mouthguard, choose a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft bristles toothbrush. 

Apply toothpaste to clean your mouthguard, and use a brush with great care. Be gentle and avoid using it for long to prevent cracks and damage. 

2: Soap and water

The second best way to clean a mouthguard is alcohol-free soap and water. Dip your mouthguard in water for some time. Apply soap and make foam with the help of a soft brush. Once washed, rinse with water and let it dry in the air.

3: Mouthwash

A mouthwash has unique advantages, such as removing foul odor and cleaning the mouthguard at home. 

Take an alcohol-free mouthwash and use it to clean the night guard. Dilute the mouthwash with plain water until enough water is covered. 

4: Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best cleaning reagents for mouthguards. Soak your mouthguard in hydrogen peroxide for some time.

This aseptic solution will remove all the stains and bacteria from the device. Once cleaned thoroughly, soak in plain water and rinse several times. Let it air dry.

5: Baking soda

This is another natural ingredient which is commonly available in every household. It cleans the debris and bad breath from the mouthguard.  

Paste equal parts of baking soda and water in a bowl and dip it. Rinse it well after some time and air dry. 

How Often Should You Clean Mouthguards?

Cleaning your mouthguard after each use is a healthy practice. After each use, brush it regularly with a toothbrush or mouthwash.

Soak it weekly in a dental cleaner or a baking soda solution for thorough disinfection. Make sure to air dry the mouthguard entirely before storage. Store it in a sterilised protective case to prevent bacterial growth and transmitted infections.

When should you replace the mouthguard?

The lifespan of your mouthguard depends on different factors, such as its material, how often you use it and how you clean it.

Replacing it every 6-12 months is essential, no matter how long you use it. Over time, the mouthguard may feel different or uncomfortable due to constant biting, affecting its fit and shape.

Over-the-counter mouthguards need to be replaced after every few months. The reason is that they are less durable and are custom-made. On the other hand, medically designed and prescribed mouthguards last longer. 

If you see any potential cracks and tears on your mouthguard, change it immediately. Furthermore, if the mouthguard doesn’t fit well and is misshapen after several uses, please get a new one. 

Take away

To sum up, using a mouthguard is best for individuals grinding teeth. People also use a night guard during boxing and other sports to avoid dental injuries.

Their use is acceptable if clean; otherwise, they can be problematic and cause infection.

Before wearing your mouthguard, brush and floss your teeth. Make sure your bacteria dont transmit to teh night guard or sterilize the guard after every use.

FAQs

How to deep clean a mouthguard?

The best way to deep clean your mouth guard is to use baking soda or apple cider vinegar. It removes all the impurities and makes it suitable for your use. 

What happens if you don’t wash your mouthguard?

If you don’t wash your mouthwash for longer, it keeps attracting dirt and becoming infected. Using such a mouthguard can cause mouth infections and gum diseases.

How do you get the yellow out of a mouthguard?

Hydrogen peroxide is the best mouthguard for cleaning and removing yellow stains. Moreover, you can also use any teeth-cleaning product, such as mouthwash or toothpaste. 

Should I soak my mouthguard in mouthwash?

Yes, you can soak your mouth guard in mouthwash for some time after use daily. It will help prevent mouth irritation and infections.