How to clean a mouth guard or night guard

Daily cleaning

Healthline says to clean the guard after each use. It suggests brushing with nonabrasive toothpaste and a dedicated soft brush, washing with mild, alcohol-free soap, soaking in diluted alcohol-free mouthwash for about 30 minutes, and scrubbing with a baking soda and water paste to remove debris and odor. Cleveland Clinic's advice is to rinse in cool water and scrub with a brush and soapy water after each use, then air dry, and ADA MouthHealthy says to rinse before and after each use or brush it with toothpaste, and to clean regularly in cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

Deep cleaning

Healthline says to deep clean at least monthly. One method is an over-the-counter denture cleaner, soaked for 5 to 10 minutes or as the package directs in warm water and rinsed with cool water. Another is to soak in vinegar for 30 minutes, rinse, soak in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes and rinse again. It also says to clean after an illness. Soaking in denture cleaner longer than directed can degrade the material.

What to avoid

Healthline lists the methods and products that can damage a guard.

• Hot water, hot air and direct sunlight, which can warp thermoplastic guards.
• Hard brushes and abrasive toothpastes.
• Alcohol-based mouthwash.
• Soaking in denture cleaner longer than directed.
• Cleaners with synthetic fragrances or dyes if you are sensitive to them.

Drying and storing

Healthline says to dry the guard completely before storing it, because moisture encourages bacteria, to keep it in a durable, vented case, to clean the case every few days, to keep it away from pets and not to share it. Cleveland Clinic and ADA MouthHealthy likewise say to store it in a vented case away from heat and pets. If it falls on the floor, clean it before reinserting it.

How often to replace it

Sources differ. Healthline's cleaning guide says the average lifespan is about 5 years, or about 1 year with frequent use, and that over-the-counter guards may need replacing every few months. Its other page says to replace guards when you see holes or wear, or every two to three years. Cleveland Clinic says a custom guard can last several years and store-bought guards may need replacing a few times a year. ADA MouthHealthy says to replace it right away if it is worn, damaged or no longer fits. Healthline lists signs to replace: cracks, tears, holes, a loose fit, thinning, a warped shape, gum or tooth irritation, persistent odor or discoloration.

Bring it to checkups

Healthline and ADA MouthHealthy say to bring your guard to dental checkups for evaluation and professional cleaning. A dentist can check the fit and spot wear that you may not notice.

How to mold a boil-and-bite mouth guard

Heat is used for shaping, not cleaning. Healthline says boil-and-bite guards are boiled until they soften, placed over your teeth and bitten into shape, but gives no times or temperatures and says to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Cleveland Clinic and ADA MouthHealthy say boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and shaped at home. Use the exact steps on your product's packaging.

Questions to ask your dentist about a night guard

If you are being fitted for a guard, a few questions make cleaning and replacement easier to plan.

• Which material is my guard made of, and is hot water safe for it?
• How should I clean it daily and how often should I deep clean it?
• How long should it last, and when should I bring it back for a check?
• What should I do if it cracks or stops fitting?
• Is a custom guard worth it for my level of grinding?

Frequently asked questions