Can You Deep-Clean Your Mouth Guard Naturally

A mouth guard is one of the most important pieces of sports equipment because it protects your teeth from injury and prevents your smile from being ruined! However, most athletes do not consider how quickly mouth guards can become contaminated. Sweat, saliva, turf dust, and bacteria combine and ultimately end up on the mouth guard, which you put in your mouth.

Whether you clean a mouth guard naturally with baking soda and vinegar, or use the ALIGNERCO UV Ultrasonic Cleaner with cleansing tablets, the important thing is keeping it clean.

How to Clean a Mouthguard Naturally after Sports

Natural cleaning works incredibly well for sports mouth guards. It removes sweat residue, bacteria, and odors without damaging the material.

Cleaning a Mouth Guard with Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the safest and most effective natural cleaners you can use. Here’s how to clean a mouth guard with baking soda.

Rinse your mouth guard under cool water to remove surface dirt. Then dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of lukewarm water and let your mouth guard soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush and rinse thoroughly.

This method removes odor, neutralizes bacteria, and lifts surface stains without scratching the guard.

For athletes using ALIGNERCO Mouth Guards, this is one of the best weekly natural deep-clean routines you can follow.

Vinegar for Sweat and Bacteria Removal

White vinegar is excellent for breaking down sweat residue and killing bacteria.

Mix one part vinegar with two parts water, and soak your mouth guard for about 20 minutes. Rinse well afterward and allow it to air dry completely.

This method is especially helpful if your guard smells unpleasant or feels sticky after games.

DIY Mouth Guard Cleaner for Athletes

If you want a quick, natural solution that works fast, a DIY mix of baking soda and vinegar does the job.

Mix warm water with a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of vinegar. Let your mouth guard soak for 15 minutes, rinse, and brush gently. The fizz helps loosen dirt and neutralize odor.

It’s simple, effective, and costs almost nothing.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Deep Disinfection

After intense tournaments or multi-day competitions, your mouth guard may need extra disinfection.

Mix equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide and soak your guard for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

This is great for deep sanitization and works well with ALIGNERCO Mouth Guards when used occasionally.

The Best Way to Clean a Mouth Guard

Natural cleaning methods like baking soda soaks, vinegar solutions, and gentle brushing can help control odors, reduce surface bacteria, and keep your mouth guard feeling fresher after use. For daily or weekly maintenance, these methods work well and are easy to stick with. But natural remedies alone have limits.

The best way to clean a mouth guard is to pair natural cleaning with purpose-built care products. ALIGNERCO offers a practical step up from DIY methods alone. Our cleansing tablets and UV Ultrasonic cleaner are designed specifically for dental appliances, helping break down residue, reduce bacteria, and keep mouth guards fresh without damaging the material.

Natural Cleaning vs UV Cleaning: Why Both Matter

Natural cleaning handles visible dirt and odors. UV cleaning handles microscopic bacteria. That’s why athletes who take hygiene seriously use both.

Natural methods clean what you can see. UV technology cleans what you can’t. Together, they give your sports mouth guard professional-level hygiene.

Common Mouth Guard Cleaning Mistakes Athletes Make

Understanding which cleaning habits can damage yur mouth guard is just as important as knowing how to clean it properly. Small mistakes can slowly weaken the material, affect the fit, and reduce the level of protection your mouth guard provides.

Using Hot Water

Hot water may seem like a quick and easy cleaning solution, but it can seriously damage a mouth guard. High temperatures soften the plastic and can cause it to warp, altering the shape and fit. Once a mouth guard loses its proper fit, it can no longer absorb impact effectively, making it far less protective during sports.

Cleaning with Toothpaste

Toothpaste is often seen as a safe cleaning option, but most formulas are abrasive. Brushing your mouth guard with toothpaste can scratch the surface, leaving behind tiny grooves and crevices. These scratches make it easier for bacteria to settle in and harder to fully clean the guard, increasing the risk of odors and oral health issues.

Soaking in Alcohol-Based Mouthwash

Alcohol-based mouthwashes may kill bacteria, but they also dry out the mouth guard material. Repeated exposure can make the plastic brittle, leading to cracks and structural weakness. A weakened guard is more likely to break or lose its protective ability when you need it most.

Putting a Mouth Guard in the Dishwasher

Yes, you heard it right, people are literally putting their mouth guards in the dishwasher. While it may seem convenient, placing a mouth guard in the dishwasher is one of the fastest ways to destroy it. The intense heat can melt and deform the plastic, leaving the guard unusable. Even a single dishwasher cycle can permanently ruin a mouth guard.

Why These Mistakes Matter

Each of these cleaning errors shortens the life of a mouth guard and reduces its protective capabilities. To keep both hygiene and performance at their best, the safest approach is a combination of natural soaking methods and UV cleaning. This routine keeps your mouth guard clean, structurally sound, and ready for every game.

Proper Cleaning Extends the Life of Your Mouth Guard

A clean mouth guard lasts longer.

Bacteria weaken the material over time, plaque buildup makes it brittle, sweat residue breaks down the structure, and the above-discussed cleaning mistakes can render it useless instantly.

To keep both hygiene and performance at their best, the safest approach is a combination of natural soaking methods and UV cleaning. When you clean your mouth guard properly, you preserve the flexibility, shape, and shock-absorbing ability.

If you’ve invested in a custom-fit sports guard like ALIGNERCO Mouth Guard, proper cleaning protects that investment. It also keeps your mouth healthier and your confidence higher on the field.

Your Mouth Guard Deserves Better Care

A mouth guard isn’t just another piece of gear you toss into your sports bag. It’s your first line of defense against chipped teeth, jaw injuries, and costly dental damage. And like any important piece of equipment, it deserves proper care and attention.

Deep-cleaning your mouth guard naturally is simple, affordable, and surprisingly effective. When you combine natural methods like baking soda or vinegar soaks with advanced tools such as ALIGNERCO UV Ultrasonic Cleaner and cleansing tablets, you’re giving your guard and your smile the level of protection they truly deserve.

Clean gear performs better. And a clean mouth guard doesn’t just look better, it protects better, lasts longer, and keeps your mouth healthier every time you step onto the field.

FAQs

How to naturally disinfect a mouth guard?

Soak it in a mixture of white vinegar and water for 15–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and let it air dry.

How to deep clean a sleeping mouth guard?

Use a baking soda soak once a week and brush gently with a soft toothbrush to remove buildup.

What kills bacteria on the mouth guard?

Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and UV cleaners effectively kill bacteria without damaging the material.

How to get rid of plaque buildup on a mouth guard?

Brush gently with baking soda and warm water, then soak in a vinegar solution to dissolve stubborn residue.