9 Easy Tips on How to Clean Your Mouth Guard the Right Way

Your night guard works hard while you sleep – protecting your teeth from grinding, clenching, and tension.

But are you returning the favor?

If your sleep mouth guard starts to look cloudy, feel gross, or smell bad, it’s probably begging for a better clean!

And we are here to help!

Cleaning it properly doesn’t require much time and effort! In this blog, we offer nine easy yet effective tips to keep your night guard fresh, bacteria-free, and built to last!

Must-Know Tips on Cleaning Your Mouth Guard Effectively

1. Rinse Immediately After Use

As soon as you take your mouth guard for grinding teeth out in the morning, rinse it well with water! This helps wash away bacteria, saliva, and food particles that might have accumulated overnight before it dries or hardens on the guard.

2. Brush Gently With a Soft Toothbrush

Just like you brush your teeth, your mouth guard for clenching needs a gentle scrub, too! Use a separate soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the surface of the guard.

Stick to mild dish soap or antibacterial soap, as toothpaste can be too harsh on the surface.

3. Give it a Weekly Deep Clean

Once a week, treat your mouth guard to a little self-care session. If you are not sure how to clean your mouth guard the right way, we got you the top three solutions:

Mouth Guard Cleaner

Use a specialized antibacterial cleaner for a thorough soak (10-15 minutes). It kills bacteria and removes odors without damaging the material.

Baking Soda Soak:

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in water and soak your mouth guard for 15-30 minutes. It’s a natural way to fight odors and remove surface stains.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution:

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, then soak your guard for 10-15 minutes. It’s great for disinfecting and breaking down buildup.

4. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

While it might sound like an easy solution to grab bleach, colored mouthwashes, or harsh chemicals to sanitize your guard, don’t!

These chemicals can degrade the material and pose health risks if any residue remains.

5. Say No to Hot Water

We all are familiar with the urge to use hot water to sanitize things, but hot water can warp your mouth guard over time, particularly if it's custom-fitted.

So stick to lukewarm water because high temperatures can literally distort its shape, reducing its effectiveness and comfort.

6. Store It in a Ventilated Case

A mouth guard needs a home when it’s not in use, but not just any case will do!

Use a ventilated case to store your mouth guard.

This allows airflow, preventing moisture buildup, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure the case is clean as well, and never leave your mouth guard in an airtight container—this traps moisture and can lead to unpleasant odors.

7. Clean Your Case, Too

Your freshly cleaned mouth guard deserves a clean home. Wash your case regularly with soap and water, and make sure it dries completely before storing your guard inside.

8. Let It Dry Completely

After rinsing or soaking your mouth guard, make sure to dry it completely before storing it! Storing it while still wet can promote bacterial growth and lead to a stinky, slimy mouth guard.

All you have to do is leave it out to air dry for a few minutes or place it on a clean, dry towel.

9. Replace It Regularly

No matter how well you clean your sleep mouth guard, it won’t last forever. A properly kept one can last anywhere from 6 months to a year. So, if you notice that it's getting worn out, cracked, or losing its shape, it’s time for a replacement.