If you or your child use a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth and jaw during sports, or use a night mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding during sleep, it is very important to keep the mouthguard clean!
Without a regular cleaning routine, the bacteria in your mouth can multiply on your mouthguard, causing infection or bad breath.
Read on to learn how to care for and clean your mouthguard like a pro!
1. Rinse your mouthguard immediately after every use
After each use of your mouthguard, rinse it with warm water (not hot) immediately. This will remove debris and prevent dental plaque from building up on it.
2. Cleaning your mouthguard
There are many ways to clean your mouthguard with supplies you have at home. It’s best to keep a separate toothbrush just for this purpose to avoid cross contamination of bacteria. The following can be used for daily cleaning of your mouthguard:
Toothpaste
Soap and Water
Baking Soda
Mouthwash
3. Deep clean your mouthguard monthly
Over-the-counter (OTC) nonabrasive denture cleaners can be used to deep clean your mouthguard. Soak your mouthguard with some water following the product’s instructions.
You can also do the same with natural ingredients like vinegar and hydrogen peroxide by soaking your mouthguard in distilled vinegar for 30 minutes, rinse, then soak it in hydrogen peroxide for an additional 30 minutes, then rinse it again thoroughly.
Avoid soaking your mouthguard in the cleaner for too long, as this can damage your mouthguard.
4. Keep your mouthguard in its case, and clean your case
When your mouthguard is clean and dry, keep it safely stored in its case – you’re less likely to lose or damage it this way. Don’t forget to clean your storage case too!
Here’s a quick summary on how to keep your mouthguard clean:
- Rinse your mouthguard after every use and clean it regularly.
- Deep clean your mouthguard at least once a monthly using OTC denture cleaner or vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
- Keep your mouthguard in its storage case and clean it every few days.
- Let your mouthguard dry completely after each clean. This will help minimise bacterial growth.
- Never share your mouthguard with anyone.
- Bring your mouthguard to your dental check-ups. Your dentist can give it a deep clean for you!
If you need additional advice or have any questions about caring for your mouthguard, please feel free to contact us on 07 3188 9477 at anytime.
