How To Clean A Mouthguard In These Easy Steps?

Wearing a mouthguard provides valuable protection against impact when playing sport and at night if you are a teeth grinder. Knowing how to clean a mouthguard is essential if you wear one, as the correct hygiene practices keep it in optimal condition and protect your mouth against bacteria and decay.

How Do Mouthguards Help To Protect Teeth?

A well designed and correctly worn mouthguard can safeguard your teeth and soft tissue against impact, either from playing contact sports where trauma to the mouth could result in damage or injury or at night if bruxism is causing wear and tear on your teeth.

Mouthguards keep the top and bottom jaws separate from each other, so they cannot come into contact. They also cover the teeth so that they are protected from outside forces

It doesn’t matter how often you wear it, you must keep your mouthguard clean. Your mouth is full of bacteria that will end up on the mouthguard. If it is not kept clean, the concentration of bacteria in your mouth will increase, leading to bad breath or a dental infection. 

The good news is that keeping it clean is fairly easy, and quite similar to denture cleaning. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you should follow, to keep your mouth healthy and your mouthguard in optimal condition. 

How To Clean A Mouthguard The Easy Way?

Use Toothpaste

Don’t worry, knowing how to clean a mouthguard is actually quite simple.

If you have ever seen denture cleaning, you’ll notice that soft-bristled toothbrushes and non-abrasive toothpaste are recommended, so you do not damage the plastic. It’s a good idea to use a separate toothbrush for your mouthguard, and only a small amount of toothpaste.

Brush the mouthguard gently, using circular movements and then rinse it well with water before leaving it to dry.

Use Soap And Water Or Baking Soda

You can also use a mild non-abrasive soap, such as dish soap or castile soap, or create a paste from baking soda and water to clean your mouthguard. You will also use a toothbrush if you use soap and water.

Use Mouthwash

You can also create a solution from alcohol-free mouthwash and water, and leave your mouthguard to soak for a few hours as if you were denture cleaning. 

What To Avoid

• Just like denture cleaning, you should avoid using hot water to clean your mouthguard as the higher temperature can cause it to become misshapen. 
• If you do not feel as though your usual methods are as effective and you would like a more thorough clean you can use the tablets you get for denture cleaning, for an overnight soak.

How Often Should You Clean Your Mouthguard?

You should clean your mouthguard after every use and store it in a clean environment. It’s also a good idea to rinse it before putting it in your mouth. 

If you need help with how to clean a mouthguard it’s always a good idea to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment:

Buderim: (07) 5317 1023
Caloundra: (07) 5315 8076