How To Clean Mouth Guard According To The Experts

How To Clean Mouth Guard

Knowing how to clean mouth guard is basic, really. Most of the time, you won’t need special solutions to keep it hygienic. That is, of course, if you make it a habit to clean it regularly.

However, if this is your first time using a mouth guard, and you really have no idea how to clean it, then read on.

I’ll give you seven different, expert-approved methods.

But first, let me share with you why keeping mouth guards spotless is necessary.


Why Cleaning a Mouth Guard is Crucial

According to a study, not cleaning the mouth guard enough may cause oral and systemic disease. This study was conducted among 62 football players.

They were asked to use a mouth guard for varying lengths of time with some of them soaking the mouth guard in an antimicrobial solution after each use.

The results of the study show that these mouth guards acquired varying bacteria, yeast, and fungi, which may cause oral lesions. Some of these bacteria also cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections, meningitis, pericarditis, and so on.

On the other hand, the mouth guards that were soaked in an antimicrobial solution had a significant decrease in harmful microorganisms.

In other words: If you don’t sluice it down really nicely, you’re susceptible to a lot of diseases. Rinsing it with water is not enough.

How To Clean Mouth Guard

Now that we know how consequential preserving the mouth guard clean is, it’s time for me to share some of the expert-approved methods on how to clean mouth guard.

Here they are:

Homemade Cleaners

Method 1

How To Clean Mouth Guard 1

What you need:

  • Soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Non-abrasive toothpaste

How to do it:

  • Remove the mouth guard from your teeth.
  • Rinse it.
  • Brush the mouth guard just like you would brush your teeth.

Note though that cleaning your mouth guard using this method is not enough. You should still use it in combination with the other methods listed below.

Method 2

How To Clean Mouth Guard 2

What you need:

  • Warm water
  • Dishwashing soap
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush

How to do it:

  • Remove the mouth guard from your teeth.
  • Rinse it with warm water.
  • Clean the mouth guard with the dishwashing soap using the toothbrush.
  • Rinse with warm water again until the smell is the soap is gone.

Method 3

How To Clean Mouth Guard 3

What you need:

  • White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Bowl just about the size of your mouth guard

How to do it:

  • Rinse the mouth guard with water.
  • Place the mouth guard in the bowl.
  • Pour vinegar over the mouth guard until it’s all covered
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    Soak for at least three hours
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    Rinse with warm water until the vinegar smell is gone

Word of caution:

If you’re wearing a brace, retainer or any metal in your mouth, you should avoid this method as the acid from the vinegar may cause rapid metal corrosion.

Method 4

Hydrogen Peroxide 3% First Aid Antiseptic

What you need:

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Bowl just about the size of your mouth guard

How to do it:

  • Rinse the mouth guard with water.
  • Place the mouth guard in the bowl.
  • Pour hydrogen peroxide over the mouth guard until it’s all covered
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    Soak overnight
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    Rinse with warm water until the vinegar smell is gone

Method 5

baking-soda

What you need:

  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 cup of distilled water
  • A bowl that can hold 1 cup of water

How to do it:

  • Pour the baking soda into the bowl
  • Add water
  • Dissolve the baking soda completely
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    Add in the mouth guard. Make sure it’s all covered.
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    Soak overnight
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    Rinse well with warm water

Please note that baking soda does not do a very good job of killing bacteria. However, it does get rid of stains and other surface dirt.

Also, baking soda may cause residue buildup over time, so if it’s starting to have a tight fit, you have to change your mouth guard.

Method 6

bleach

What you need:

  • Bleach
  • Distilled water
  • Non-abrasive toothpaste
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    Soft-bristled toothbrush
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    Bowl just about the size of your mouth guard

How to do it:

  • Combine 10 parts water with 1 part bleach in the bowl
  • Soak your mouth guard for about 30 minutes
  • Brush it using the toothpaste and toothbrush
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    Rinse the mouth guard with warm water thoroughly until the smell is completely gone

Please remember that bleach is a toxic chemical; hence, you have to rinse the mouth guard carefully after soaking it in this solution.

Nonetheless, bleach does a pretty good job of disinfecting your mouth guard and getting rid of stains. However, it can also discolor your mouth guard.

Mouth Guard Solutions

Method 7

tablet

What you need:

  • Denture cleaning tablets/powder
  • Glass of water

How to do it:

Prepare the denture cleaning tablets/powder as instructed. Then soak the mouth guard also according to instructions.

The best thing about these cleaning solutions is they taste nice. So even if you don’t rinse them off after soaking your mouth guard, you’ll have that fresh and clean feeling in your mouth.

However, some of these may also cause discoloration, so don’t be surprised if your red mouth guard starts turning pink (Pink ain’t that bad, eh?).

Professional Solutions

Method 8

Wellness HealthPro FC-RDS Professional UV Sanitizer for Dentures, Retainers, Invisalign and Mouth Guards

What you need:

  • Dental sanitizing device

How to do it:

Use the device according to package instructions.

There are several brands and models of the dental sanitizing device and they come with different instructions. Also, this is a more expensive option compared with the solutions mentioned above.

However, if you’re always on the go or in a hurry, get this. Dental sanitizing devices are very portable and can disinfect your mouth guard in minutes.

Knowing how to clean mouth guard with these devices is also easy. Most of the time, you don’t have to add tablets, powders, or other solutions. The device may be used as is.

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Method 9

What you need:

  • Professional dental cleaner

How to do it:

The next time you visit your dentist, ask them about having your mouth guard cleaned. Most would be happy to clean it for you for free.

What I like about this option is you’re surely in good hands because these people know exactly how to clean mouth guard.

How do I clean my night guard

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Additional Tips on How to Clean Mouth Guard

At a minimum, you should brush your mouth guard every time you clean it. This is to ensure plaque buildup will be lessened if not avoided altogether. And make sure to use a soft bristled brush to avoid scraping or scratching your mouth guard.

Next, when not in use make sure your mouth guard is kept dry and in a dry place. Leaving it wet makes it highly susceptible to molds, bacteria, and others.

Also, you have to test the solutions first before soaking your mouth guard completely. This is because some solutions may be too harsh for your mouth guard. So try soaking a small part of it first before submerging your mouth guard completely.

Lastly, all soaks mentioned above should be used at room temperature to avoid damaging your mouth guard.

Caring for the Mouth Guard

Aside of course from knowing how to clean mouth guard, you should also master how to take care of it.

  • Keep it away from direct heat. Mouth guards are usually made of plastic, and we all know that heat and plastic are not really the best of friends. So avoid direct sunlight or hot water, don’t put it on the top of the oven, and so on.
  • Use its case always. If your mouth guard is not in your mouth, it should only be placed in its storage so you lessen the risk of exposing it to pollutants in the surroundings.
  • Don’t play with it. I understand that when we get bored or nervous, we start fidgeting, which often leads to us biting or chewing on the mouth guard. But did you know that doing so damages our mouth guard and may compromise the level of protection it provides?
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    Avoid colas or teasChromogenic agents such as these two may cause staining on our mouth guards, so make sure you take it off before drinking any of these beverages.
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    Replace as needed. Mouth guards are not designed to last a lifetime. Once you see the usual wear and tear, you have to replace it. Taking it to the dentist for repair may no longer be effective.

To Sum It Up

Keeping your mouth guard in its tip-top shape is crucial. Otherwise, you’re at risk of several oral diseases and even systemic ones. Luckily, cleaning it is not that hard.

As outlined above, there are different methods on how to clean mouth guard. Most of these methods need ingredients and materials that are readily available in your home, but some require store-bought or professional solutions. Choosing the best one merely depends on your budget and the time you have.

But…

Remember that keeping it clean won’t suffice. You have to know how to take care of it, too, so you can maximize its lifespan.

If, however, you are having trouble choosing the best method, bring it up during your next dentist appointment.


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