The same bacteria in your mouth will be transferred onto your night guard after wearing it all night. That is why, it is very important to learn how to clean it properly. Some daily maintenance along with weekly deep cleanings will keep it in top shape so it protects your teeth for as long as possible.
When and How to Clean Your Night Guard
The best time to clean your night guard is every day, first thing in the morning when you take it off.
- If you wait until later in the day or before bedtime to clean it, you place it at higher risk for bacterial growth.
When to Replace Your Night Guard
Replace your night guard at the first sign of damage to avoid damage to your teeth or jaw.
- The last thing you don’t want is for your bruxism to get worse is to constantly be replacing your guard, so inspecting and replacing it when necessary is essential.
Brush Your Night Guard Daily
For a quick and convenient daily clean, simply brush your night guard thoroughly with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Be sure to brush all sides and angles, not just the portion that comes in contact with your teeth.
- You can choose to use your regular toothbrush or a separate toothbrush just for your Night Guard.
Where to Store Your Night Guard
Let your mouth guard completely air dry before putting it in its case.
- A better storage place would be your nightstand, dresser, or a closet – make sure the case is ventilated to allow for air flow.
Store Your Night Guard Dry
Brush your night guard before brushing your teeth to prevent chlamydia
- Let it sit on the side of the sink to dry before putting it in its case in a cool, dry place to keep it out of the way while you brush your teeth
What not to do with your night guard
Do not throw it in the dishwasher – high heat of dishwasher can warp and ruin your guard.
- Bleach is also not recommended – bleach can damage your guard if it is not rinsed off properly. Avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol.
Deep Clean Once per Week
For a deeper clean once per week, you can clean your night guard with denture cleaner or mouthguard cleaners.
- Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol as this can damage and reduce the lifespan of your guard.
- In addition to cleaning your guard, make it a habit to also clean your case.
Additional Methods to Clean Your Night Guard
If you don’t want to use denture or mouthguard cleaners, you can also give your night guard a deep clean with products you already have around your home
- Try doing a soak using white vinegar, baking soda, and/or hydrogen peroxide
- Cleaning your guard this way is a multi-step process
- First, soak your guard in white vinegar for 30 minutes
- Then, rinse it in the appropriate cleaning solution
- Lastly, thoroughly rinse it and allow it to dry
