Cleaning Your Mouth Guard For Optimal Protection: Do's and Dont's

So, you've just bought a dental mouth guard to protect your teeth from nighttime grinding – nice move for your oral health! But did you know that without proper care, it could become a hotspot for bacteria, leading to premature damage and a host of oral health issues? Let's explore how you can keep your guard clean and effective for the long haul.

Why do I have to clean my mouth guard?

Ensuring your mouth guard is thoroughly cleaned is crucial because it can easily harbor bacteria. Cleaning your mouthguard is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and ensuring its effectiveness. Most mouth guards have microscopic pores that trap bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms¹. Without regular cleaning, these microorganisms can multiply, creating a reservoir of bacteria that can lead to infections or bad breath. Proper cleaning helps in the following ways:

Bacteria Control

A mouth guard creates a warm, moist environment perfect for bacteria to thrive. This bacteria can cause bad breath, gum disease and other dental issues. Regularly cleaning your mouth guard prevents this buildup. To protect your teeth from damage, cleaning your mouthguard regularly is important. Start by rinsing your mouth guard in cool water. Soaking it in a denture cleaner for about 30 minutes once a week helps too.

Avoiding Premature Damage

Proper cleaning prevents plaque and tartar build up on the mouth guard. These substances can weaken the material over time, causing it to degrade and become less effective. Cleaning your mouth guard regularly will extend its lifespan, ensuring it remains in optimal condition. This deep cleaning helps remove bacteria that could cause infections or bad breath.

Preserving Comfort and Effectiveness

A clean mouth guard for teeth grinding is more comfortable to wear and provides better protection against teeth grinding. Regular cleaning removes debris and bacteria that can cause discomfort and irritation, ensuring that your mouth guard remains comfortable and effective for longer.

Prevents Odor and Discolouration

An unclean mouth guard can develop an unpleasant odour over time. Bacteria buildup can also cause discolouration, giving it an unsightly appearance. Regular cleaning helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of your mouth guard, keeping it fresh and clean.

Do's for Cleaning Your Mouth Guard

✅ Rinse with Cold Water: It's essential to rinse your mouth guard with cold water before and after each use. This simple step helps remove saliva and bacteria, keeping your mouth guard clean and hygienic.

✅ Brush Gently: To keep it in good condition, gently brush your mouthguard with a separate toothbrush, using antibacterial soap or baking soda. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste to gently clean your mouth guard. For a gentle scrub, use a soft bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste.

✅ Allow your mouth guard to air dry completely: After brushing, rinsing your mouthguard in cool water ensures it stays fresh. You can also use hydrogen peroxide as an additional cleaning agent to help disinfect it. Also, after cleaning, let your mouth guard air dry completely. This is important to prevent bacteria and fungi from growing, especially in the nooks and crannies.

✅ Store in a breathable case: When you're not using your mouth guard, keep it in a case that allows air to flow through. Avoid storing it in closed containers or humid places, as this can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Read more about storage and maintenance of mouth guards here.

✅ Keep Your Case Clean: Don't forget to give your mouth guard case a regular clean with soap and water. You don't want to put a clean mouth guard into a dirty case!

✅ Monthly Deep Cleaning: Once a month, give your mouth guard a thorough clean using a non-abrasive mouth guard cleanser that can be purchased over the counter. Avoid using mouthwash or anything with alcohol, as they can damage your mouth guard.

✅ Know When to Replace: Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear, such as holes or an unpleasant smell. If you notice these signs or if your mouth guard no longer fits comfortably, it may be time to replace it.

Remember, your top teeth often experience the most pressure from grinding, these steps can help protect both your teeth and your mouthguard from wear and tear.

Don'ts for Cleaning Your Mouth Guard

🚫 Use Hot Water: Avoid cleaning your mouth guard with hot or boiling water, as it can cause the material to deform. Instead, stick to using cold or lukewarm water for cleaning.

🚫 Use Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol to clean your mouth guard as they can damage the material. An alcohol-free mouthwash and a small amount of soap can also be used for cleaning. 

🚫 Scrub Vigorously: It's important not to scrub your mouth guard too vigorously. Excessive scrubbing can scratch the surface, creating tiny crevices where bacteria can accumulate and grow. Instead, use gentle, circular motions to clean your mouth guard.

🚫Forget to Clean Regularly: Make it a habit to clean your mouth guard regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.

Regularly following these steps will help keep your mouthguard in top condition and protect your teeth from grinding.

Cleaning our Dura mouth guards

At Dental Designs Clinic, we provide a range of night guards tailored to different levels of teeth grinding. Whether you have mild (eg. soft mouth guard and DuraAir mouthguard), moderate (eg. Dura3D mouth guard) or severe grinding habits (eg. DuraMax mouthguard), we have a night guard suitable for your needs. Additionally, we offer sports guards (DuraSport) for individuals engaging in sports activities to protect their teeth from potential impacts. For those suffering from sleep apnea, we also offer a specialised device (DuraSLEEP) to help manage this condition.

One of the key benefits of our mouth guards is their easy maintenance. Simply brush them with soap to clean; there's no need for overnight soaking in water. This not only simplifies the cleaning process but also ensures that your mouth guard remains hygienic and ready for use. This is further supported by studies² which show that cleaning mouth guards with a toothbrush, water and neutral liquid soap is one of the most effective methods. This approach causes minimal surface changes in the material, ensuring the mouth guard remains in good condition while effectively removing bacteria and debris.

Additional Tips for Maintenance

Regular Dental Check-ups

Making regular visits to your dentist is important to check the fit and condition of your mouth guard. During these appointments, your dentist can inspect your mouth guard for signs of wear or damage and recommend a replacement if necessary. These check-ups also allow for any necessary adjustments to be made to ensure your mouth guard fits comfortably and offers maximum protection.

Consistent and Proper Use

Wearing a mouthguard is essential if you grind or clench your teeth, especially during sleep. Using your mouth guard regularly, particularly every night, is essential for maintaining its effectiveness. It's important to ensure that it covers your teeth evenly. If you experience any discomfort or notice changes in your bite, it is recommended to consult your dentist.

Getting a mouth guard is an important initial step in protecting your teeth, especially if you have a teeth grinding habit. However, it's just the beginning of a comprehensive oral care routine. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your mouth guard are crucial to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Drop us a message if you have more questions!

References

1. Glass RT, Conrad RS, Köhler GA, Warren AJ, Bullard JW. Microbiota found in protective athletic mouthguards. Sports Health. 2011 May;3(3):244-8. doi: 10.1177/1941738111404869. PMID: 23016013; PMCID: PMC3445166.
2. Haddad E Borro L, de Queiroz TS, da Cruz BS, Demachkia AM, Borges ALS, Tribst JPM, Paes Junior TJA. Enhancing mouthguard longevity: Impact of surface treatment against aging from brushing and disinfectant exposure. Dent Traumatol. 2024 Mar 8. doi: 10.1111/edt.12941. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38459667.
3. D'Ercole S, Tieri M, Martinelli D, Ciaravino C, Fulco D, Tripodi D. Microbial Contamination and Disinfection of Sport Mouthguard: In Vitro Study. Curr Microbiol. 2020 Feb;77(2):246-253. doi: 10.1007/s00284-019-01834-1. Epub 2019 Dec 7. PMID: 31813013.