How to Clean and Maintain Your Mouth Guard?

If you or your child wears a sports mouth guard for protection during athletic activities, keeping it clean is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing infections. But here’s a catch: if you do not sufficiently clean and store it, the mouth guard could be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Over time, that can lead to foul odors, unsightly discoloration, and even serious oral health issues. The good news? This detailed guide will cover everything from daily mouth guard care to deep cleaning, storage tips, and everything in between.

Understanding Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are dental appliances that cover your teeth. Dentists recommend them for several reasons, and there are various types available. Mouth guards provide important benefits for both children and adults, offering protection during sports.

Most mouth guards are designed to fit over the upper teeth, but in certain cases, your dentist may recommend one for the lower teeth too.

How Mouth Guards Protect Your Teeth?

Mouth guards are dental appliances that come in many forms. However, sports mouth guards are specifically made to reduce the chances that you may chip or knock out a tooth. High-speed projectiles in sports such as basketball, baseball, and lacrosse make it essential to wear a mouth guard during both practice and games. Other sports where mouth guards can protect your teeth include:

• Boxing, wrestling, martial arts, and other combat sports.
• Close-contact sports include rugby, football, and soccer.
• Action sports like skateboarding, skiing, and surfing.
• Field hockey and ice hockey.
• Gymnastics
• Weightlifting

Why Mouth Guard Care Is Essential?

Every time you put your mouth guard in, it’s exposed to saliva, bacteria, and tiny food particles. These don’t just vanish—they build up over time if you’re not cleaning the guard properly. Here's what can happen if you skip regular maintenance:

Bacterial Buildup

Your mouth is full of bacteria—some good, some harmful. When they collect on your mouth guard, they can multiply quickly. This increases the risk of infections, gum issues, and chronic bad breath.

Unpleasant Odors

When bacteria and plaque sit on your guard, they release foul-smelling compounds. That’s why an uncleaned mouth guard often develops a persistent, unpleasant odor.

Discoloration and Wear

Neglecting proper care can lead to staining and material degradation, reducing the mouth guard’s effectiveness. Regular maintenance ensures your mouth guard remains hygienic, comfortable, and effective.

Daily Mouth Guard Cleaning Routine

Consistency is key. Incorporating a few steps into your daily routine can make all the difference in keeping your mouth guard clean and safe.

Step 1: Rinse Immediately after Use

After removing your mouth guard, rinse it under lukewarm water. This helps wash away saliva, food debris, and bacteria. Never use hot water—it might soften or warp the material.

Step 2: Brush with Care

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the mouth guard. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and can scratch the surface, creating places where bacteria can hide and multiply. If needed, you can use a mild soap or mouth guard-specific cleaner.

Step 3: Air Dry Completely

Place the mouth guard on a clean, dry surface and allow it to air dry completely before storing it. Don’t rush the process—ensure it dries fully before you put it away. Moist environments promote bacterial growth, so ensure it's thoroughly dry.

Weekly Mouth Guard Deep Cleaning

In addition to daily cleaning, perform a deep clean once a week to disinfect your mouth guard thoroughly. Here are some effective methods:

Method 1: Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide Soak

• Start by soaking your guard in distilled white vinegar for about 30 minutes.
• Rinse it thoroughly with water.
• Next, soak it in hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) for another 30 minutes to disinfect.
• Rinse again and let it air dry completely.

Method 2: Baking Soda Paste

• Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste with a soft toothbrush, gently scrubbing the entire surface.
• Rinse thoroughly.

Method 3: Denture Cleaning Tablets

• Dissolve a denture cleaning tablet in water and soak the mouth guard as per the product's instructions. This method effectively removes stains and kills bacteria.

Prevent Bad Smell in Mouth Guards

A common complaint among mouth guard users is unpleasant odors. Here are some mouth guard cleaning tips to prevent this:

• Clean Regularly: Don’t skip cleanings—daily and weekly routines help prevent bacteria buildup.
• Dry before Storing: Bacteria thrive in moist environments. Always make sure your mouth guard is completely dry before storing it.
• Use a Ventilated Storage Case: Your mouth guard case should allow airflow. Sealed containers trap moisture, which leads to odors and mold.

Proper Storage Practices

Proper storage is vital for maintaining the integrity of your mouth guard:

Use a High-Quality Case

A sturdy, well-ventilated storage case helps protect the guard from physical damage and prevents moisture buildup.

Clean the Case Regularly

People often forget that the case needs cleaning. Wash it with water and mild soap every few days and let it dry completely before reuse.

When to Replace Your Mouth Guard

Even with meticulous care, mouth guards have a limited lifespan. Replace your mouth guard if you notice:

• Visible Wear & Tear: Cracks, tears, or thinning areas indicate it's time for a new guard.
• Persistent Odors: If it still smells after a deep cleaning, bacteria may have penetrated the material.
• Stains or Discoloration: Yellow or dark spots can be signs of mold or bacterial growth

If unsure, bring your mouth guard to your dentist and ask for their professional opinion.

Additional Tips for Optimal Mouth Guard Care

• Avoid Using Toothpaste: Most toothpaste formulas contain abrasives that can damage the surface of your mouth guard.
• Skip Alcohol-Based Rinses: These can dry out and degrade the material, shortening the lifespan of the guard.
• Bring It to Your Dental Checkups: Your dentist can inspect your mouth guard for damage, provide a professional cleaning, and offer care advice.

ALIGENRCO Cleansing Tablets for Mouth Guards

Keep your mouth guards sparkling clean, odor-free, and looking like new with our advanced Cleansing Tablets. These fast-dissolving tablets are specially formulated to provide a deep, thorough clean for your oral appliances every day. They don’t just clean—they eliminate bacteria, lift stubborn stains, and leave your appliances feeling fresh and hygienic, so you can wear them with confidence.

Key Features

Ultrasonic Cleaning Technology

These tablets are clinically proven to eliminate 99.9% of common germs, giving you a cleaner, safer oral hygiene (for mouth guards) routine.

Removes Tough Stains

Whether it's tea, coffee, tobacco, or plaque, our formula targets and removes discoloration, restoring brightness to your aligners, mouth guards, and retainers.

Odor Neutralization

Tired of that lingering mouth guard smell? These tablets don’t just mask odors—they neutralize them, leaving behind a clean, fresh scent.

Safe for All Dental Gear

From night guards and retainers to dentures and aligners, our formula is tough on grime but gentle on materials. You can trust it won’t cause wear or damage.

Flexible Cleaning Options

In a rush? You’ll get noticeable results in just 5 minutes. Need a deep clean? Leave your appliance to soak overnight—it’s that easy.

Enhanced Cleaning Power

Use with an ultrasonic cleaning device for professional-level cleaning at home. The tablets amplify the ultrasonic action, getting into every crevice.

How to Use?

Prepare the Soaking Solution

Drop one tablet into a cup or soaking container filled with warm water (about 104°F/40°C). Make sure your dental appliance is fully submerged.

Add Your Appliance

• Place your aligner, retainer, mouth guard, or denture into the solution.
• For a quick clean, let it soak for 5 minutes.
• For a deeper clean, let it soak overnight.

Rinse Thoroughly

After soaking, rinse your appliance thoroughly under running water. Dry if necessary, and you’re ready to wear it—clean, fresh, and safe.

Keep Your Mouth Guard Clean, Fresh, and Long-Lasting

Taking care of your mouth guard goes beyond just keeping it clean—it’s about safeguarding your overall health, protecting the investment you’ve made in your dental appliance, and preserving the smile you’ve worked hard for. Whether you wear your mouth guard during sports, while you sleep, or to support dental alignment, consistent cleaning and smart storage are essential. These simple habits help ensure your appliance remains fresh, odor-free, and fully effective for as long as possible.

To make that upkeep even easier, try ALIGNERCO Cleansing Tablets for Mouth Guards. These dentist-recommended tablets provide a deep, powerful clean in just a few minutes. They effectively lift away tough stains, eliminate bacteria, and neutralize lingering odors, leaving your mouth guard or aligner feeling and smelling fresh.