To clean a night guard, rinse it in cold or lukewarm water as soon as you take it out, then brush it once a day with a soft toothbrush and soapy water, let it air dry and store it in its vented case. Never hot or boiling water: the plastic warps and the guard no longer fits. And brush your teeth before putting it back in at night.
In short
- Every morning: rinse in cold water, gentle brushing with soapy water, air dry.
- Every evening: teeth brushed before putting it in.
- Avoid: hot water, the dishwasher, direct sun, harsh products not mentioned in the instructions.
- At the dentist: bring it to your check-ups.
Why clean your night guard every day?
At night the guard sits against your teeth for hours, in a mouth where saliva flows less. Plaque and food debris build up on it. A care sheet from the NHS points out that a poorly cleaned guard can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Two minutes of cleaning a day is enough to avoid that.
How to clean a night guard: step by step
- When you wake up, rinse it in cold or lukewarm water, to loosen saliva before it dries.
- Brush it gently, inside and out, with a soft toothbrush kept for this purpose and a little mild soap. Toothpaste can scratch some plastics: follow the instructions.
- Rinse again in cold water.
- Let it air dry on a clean surface before storing it. A guard put away wet in a closed case stays damp.
- Store it in its case, rigid and vented, out of reach of children and pets. Dogs love to chew them.
- Wash the case once a week with soapy water.
Can you clean a night guard with hot water?
No. Cleveland Clinic, a major American hospital, advises against exposing a mouth guard to high heat, hot water or direct sunlight. Boil-and-bite guards in particular are made of plastic that softens with heat: that is how they are moulded. A dip in very hot water, the dishwasher or a car dashboard in summer can warp them for good.
Baking soda, vinegar, tablets: what to make of them?
- Cleaning tablets for dental appliances: some guard instructions allow them from time to time. Use them only if your guard's instructions say so, and respect the soaking time.
- Baking soda and white vinegar: often quoted online, but we found no official recommendation on their use for night guards. Ask your dentist first if you want to use them.
- Bleach, alcohol, strong mouthwashes: avoid them. They can damage the plastic or leave a taste, and are not meant for this.
Night guard turning yellow or smelling: what to do?
A guard that turns yellow or cloudy often has tartar or plaque on it. Brush it more carefully, especially in the grooves. If the smell persists despite daily cleaning, or you see cracks, sharp edges or very worn areas, it is time to replace it. Cleveland Clinic notes that shop-bought guards wear out faster and may need replacing several times a year, while a custom guard made by a dentist lasts several years.
The most common mistakes
- Leaving it on the bedside table without a case: it gathers dust and often ends up on the floor.
- Brushing it with your toothpaste-loaded toothbrush: some toothpastes are abrasive, and scratches hold plaque.
- Putting it in without brushing your teeth: it then traps bacteria and food against your teeth all night.
- Forcing it if it no longer fits: it may have warped, or your teeth may have moved. Show it to your dentist.
- Lending it, even just to try.
And when travelling?
Take the case, a small soft brush and travel soap. In a hotel, rinse it in cold tap water in the morning, brush it, then let it dry on a clean towel before putting it away. Do not leave it in a car in the sun or near a heater.
Teeth-grinding guard or anti-snoring guard: same care?
Yes, essentially. Both are cleaned the same way: cold water, soft brush, drying, vented case. Their purpose differs, though, and both deserve medical advice. Grinding can wear enamel and cause jaw pain; loud snoring with breathing pauses should be checked by a doctor.
Should you show your night guard to the dentist?
Yes. Bring it to every check-up: the dentist checks it still fits, is neither cracked nor too worn, and that your teeth are fine. This is all the more useful for a boil-and-bite guard bought without a prescription, which has not been adjusted by a professional.
To finish
A clean guard is one you are happy to wear, and a guard you wear is one that helps. Our anti-grinding night guard is moulded at home; it does not replace a dentist's advice if your jaw hurts or your teeth are damaged. For other night-time things to keep clean, see how to clean a mattress topper.
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