Research from the UCL Eastman Dental Institute found that uncleaned mouth guards can harbor harmful bacteria including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. Research has also shown that mouthguards harbor dangerous microbes such as Candida if not cleaned regularly. Over time, this microbial buildup can contribute to respiratory issues, oral infections, and bad breath.
Beyond the health implications, consistent cleaning directly affects how long the guard lasts. Guards that are regularly sanitized resist microtears, retain their form, and continue to cushion your bite effectively even with heavy clenching. The cleaning routine is straightforward: two minutes every morning, a few extra minutes once a week, and proper storage.
The Daily Routine: Every Morning Without Exception
Step 1 — Rinse Immediately After Removal
The moment you take the guard out, run it under cool water before you do anything else. This removes debris and loosens any plaque stuck to the night guard. The key word is cool — not warm, not hot. The materials used in custom night guards respond to heat. Repeated exposure to hot water gradually softens and warps the material, subtly changing the fit over months.
Step 2 — Brush With a Soft Toothbrush and Mild Soap
After rinsing, brush the guard gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use mild dish soap or hand soap — not toothpaste. Toothpaste can be abrasive and may scratch the surface of your mouth guard, creating places for bacteria to hide. Once the surface is scratched, bacteria have microscopic channels to colonize that no amount of rinsing will clear. Brush all surfaces including the inner grooves and the biting edges.
Step 3 — Let It Air Dry Before Storing
Allow your night guard to dry completely before storing it, as to prevent rapid bacterial growth. A guard that goes straight from rinsing into a closed case traps moisture in a dark environment — exactly the conditions bacteria thrive in. Lay it on a clean dry surface while you shower and get ready. By the time you leave for the day, it is dry.
The Weekly Deep Clean
Daily rinsing and brushing handle surface debris. Once a week, you need a method that penetrates deeper and addresses bacterial buildup that daily cleaning misses.
Denture Cleaning Tablets
This is the most widely recommended and accessible method. Simply drop a cleaning tablet designed for dental appliances into a glass with water along with your night guard and let it soak for around 10 minutes. These tablets are available over the counter at most drug stores and are specifically formulated for dental materials. After soaking, rinse thoroughly with cool water and allow the guard to air dry completely.
Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide
For a deeper clean without purchasing anything special: soak the night guard in distilled white vinegar for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse with water. Then soak it in hydrogen peroxide for at least 30 more minutes. Once finished, rinse with water and allow it to dry completely. Do not soak your night guard in any liquid for longer than one hour — extended soaks can damage the material.
How to Store Your Night Guard
Always store your night guard in its case when not in use, but ensure the case has ventilation holes or small gaps that allow moisture to escape. Many people store their night guard in their bathroom, but over time the steam and humidity can cause the night guard to warp. Keep the night guard stored in your bedroom or on your nightstand instead.
Keep the case clean by hand washing it every few days with liquid dish detergent. Do not put it in the dishwasher — the heat will warp the plastic case. Be aware that dogs love night guards and will treat them as chew toys, so always keep your night guard out of reach of pets.
What to Never Do
- Hot water — warps the plastic material.
- Toothpaste — abrasive compounds scratch the surface and create bacterial channels.
- Alcohol-based mouthwash — the alcohol content damages the guard material over time.
- The dishwasher — the combination of heat and high-pressure water will warp a custom night guard beyond use.
- Bleach or harsh chemical cleaners — these degrade dental materials and leave residues that are not safe for intraoral use.
Signs Your Cleaning Routine Has Slipped
Noticeable discoloration and persistent odor even after cleaning suggest bacteria may have penetrated deeply into the material. Visible yellowing, white mineral deposits, or a smell that survives brushing are all signals that a deeper cleaning cycle is overdue — or that the guard has reached the end of its useful life.
A guard in good condition after cleaning should smell neutral, feel smooth, and look relatively clear. If your current guard has crossed the line from worn to compromised, a replacement is straightforward from $99 with free shipping both ways.
Order a fresh custom night guard from $99 at DentalNightGuard.com
