Whether you have a sports mouthguard to protect your teeth while you play sports or a night guard to prevent you from grinding your teeth at night, you probably have a few questions about how you should take care of your mouthguard. That’s why we’re here to explain some of the best practices when it comes to your mouthguard.
Why Clean Your Mouthguard?
It’s important to clean your mouthguard for several reasons. For one, you’re putting it in your mouth, & you definitely don’t want any dirt or dust getting in your mouth! Also, not cleaning your mouthguard can allow bacteria & germs to develop, which can make you sick & lead to tooth decay, gum disease or other infections.
How Often You Should Clean Your Mouthguard & What to Use
First, you can help keep your mouthguard clean by brushing & flossing your teeth each time before you use it. This prevents large amounts of food particles & other general bacteria from getting on your mouthguard.
After each use, you should wash your mouthguard in warm, soapy water. You can also brush it with a separate toothbrush & mild antibacterial soap. Be sure not to use toothpaste on your mouthguard, though, as it’s too abrasive & could damage it.
You should also deep clean your mouthguard once a week. To do this, you can soak your mouthguard in a denture cleaner or a mixture of mouthwash & water. You can also soak your mouthguard in distilled vinegar & hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes each, & thoroughly rinse it with water after.
As a general rule, you should never put your mouthguard or case in the dishwasher. The high heat of the dishwasher can warp the plastic!
After Cleaning Your Mouthguard
After you clean your mouthguard, you should always let it air dry before putting it back in its case. Putting your mouthguard in its case while it’s still wet creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow! Letting your mouthguard dry only takes about 15 minutes & will help ensure your mouthguard stays clean.
You should also make sure that your case stays clean by washing it every few days. If you’re not cleaning your case, then cleaning your mouthguard won’t do much good!