How to Clean a Mouthguard: Daily Care, Deep Cleaning, and Storage Tips
Key Takeaways
Cleaning a mouthguard after every use prevents bacterial buildup that can cause bad breath, gum irritation, and infection.
- Rinse your mouthguard with cool water immediately after removal, then gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap.
- Deep clean once a week using a denture cleaning tablet, hydrogen peroxide solution, or white vinegar soak.
- Always air dry your mouthguard completely before storing it in a hard, ventilated case.
- Replace your mouthguard when you notice cracks, persistent odor, discoloration, or changes in fit.
If you wear a mouthguard for sports or use a night guard for teeth grinding, how you clean a mouthguard matters just as much as wearing one. A mouthguard that sits in your mouth for hours collects saliva, food particles, and bacteria. Without regular cleaning, that buildup turns your guard into a breeding ground for germs. The good news is that cleaning a mouthguard takes just a few minutes a day. Below, you will find step-by-step instructions for daily cleaning, weekly deep cleaning, proper storage, and when to replace your guard, whether it is a custom-fitted night guard (also called an occlusal guard or dental splint) or a store-bought sports mouthguard (also called a mouth protector).
Why Does a Dirty Mouthguard Matter for Your Oral Health?
A dirty mouthguard can cause bad breath, gum irritation, oral infections, and even systemic health issues if harmful bacteria enter your bloodstream through small cuts in your mouth.
Your mouth is home to hundreds of bacterial species. When you wear a mouthguard, these bacteria transfer to the guard’s surface. A study published in Sports Health examined mouthguards from 62 Division I college football players and found 485 microbial isolates, including Staphylococcus, yeasts, and molds. The researchers concluded that mouthguards become highly contaminated with use, but daily sanitizing can reduce the bacterial load.
The Academy of General Dentistry has warned that contaminated mouthguards can harbor bacteria linked to staph and strep infections. AGD spokesperson Bruce Burton, DMD, notes that a mouthguard “has the potential to be a reservoir for bacteria that can cause gum infections or the bacteria that help promote tooth decay.”
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you regularly clean your mouthguard in cool, soapy water and store it in a sturdy, ventilated container to prevent bacterial growth. Following these guidelines protects both your mouthguard and your oral health.
How Should You Clean a Mouthguard Every Day?
Rinse your mouthguard with cool or lukewarm water right after you take it out, then brush it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap.
Daily cleaning is the single most effective thing you can do to keep your mouthguard safe and fresh. Here is the routine recommended by dental professionals:
Step 1: Rinse immediately. As soon as you remove your mouthguard, hold it under cool or lukewarm running water. Never use hot water. Hot water can warp the thermoplastic material most mouthguards are made from, which changes the fit and reduces protection.
Step 2: Brush gently. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (separate from your regular one) to scrub all surfaces of the mouthguard with a small drop of mild, fragrance-free hand soap or dish soap. Avoid regular toothpaste. Most toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that scratch the guard’s surface, creating tiny grooves where bacteria hide and multiply, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Step 3: Rinse and air dry. Rinse off all soap residue under cool water, then set the mouthguard on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area. Let it dry fully before putting it in its case. Storing a damp mouthguard encourages bacterial and fungal growth.
This process takes about two minutes. Building it into your morning routine (for night guards) or post-game routine (for sports guards) keeps your mouthguard clean with very little effort.
What Is the Best Way to Deep Clean a Mouthguard?
Deep clean your mouthguard once a week by soaking it in a denture cleaning tablet solution, a hydrogen peroxide mixture, or a white vinegar solution for 10 to 30 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly.
Daily brushing removes surface-level bacteria, but a weekly deep cleaning targets buildup that brushing alone cannot reach. Choose one of these methods:
Denture cleaning tablets. Drop a tablet (such as Polident or Efferdent) into a glass of lukewarm water and soak your mouthguard for 10 to 15 minutes. The effervescent action loosens plaque and kills bacteria. The ADA has filed on your behalf certain denture cleansers as effective at reducing bacteria buildup on removable dental appliances.
Hydrogen peroxide soak. Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Submerge your mouthguard for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Healthline notes that hydrogen peroxide is effective for disinfecting and removing stains from dental appliances.
White vinegar soak. Combine one part white vinegar with three parts water and soak for 15 to 30 minutes. The acidity breaks down mineral deposits and kills bacteria. Rinse well afterward to remove any vinegar taste.
After any deep cleaning method, let your mouthguard air dry completely before storing it.
Custom Mouthguard vs. Store-Bought Mouthguard: Does Cleaning Differ?
The basic cleaning steps are the same for both custom and store-bought mouthguards, but custom guards are more durable and may last longer with proper care, while store-bought options wear out faster and may need more frequent replacement.
There are three main types of mouthguards, and each has slightly different care considerations:
Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by your dentist from an impression of your teeth. They fit precisely, use higher-quality materials, and can last several years with proper care, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Bring your custom mouthguard to dental checkups so your dentist can inspect it and give it a professional cleaning.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are sold at sporting goods stores and pharmacies. You soften them in hot water, then bite down to shape them. They wear down faster than custom guards and typically last six to twelve months. Be extra careful not to use hot water during cleaning, since the material can remold and lose its shape.
Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear. They are inexpensive but offer the least precise fit and durability. Stock guards may need replacing every few months.
“We see patients in Glenview who invest in a custom night guard and then store it in an open drawer or a Ziploc bag,” says Chad Freund, DDS, at Nolan & Freund Dental Professionals. “A ventilated case and a two-minute daily cleaning routine are all it takes to get years of reliable use out of a well-made guard.”
How Should You Store a Mouthguard Between Uses?
Store your mouthguard in a hard, ventilated case after it has dried completely. Keep the case in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Proper storage matters almost as much as proper cleaning. Follow these guidelines:
Use a ventilated case. A hard-sided case with ventilation holes allows air to circulate and prevents moisture buildup. The ADA specifically recommends a sturdy, ventilated container for mouthguard storage.
Clean the case regularly. Wash your mouthguard case with warm, soapy water at least once a week and let it air dry completely. A clean guard stored in a dirty case picks up bacteria from the case. Dental professionals recommend replacing the case every six to twelve months.
Avoid heat and sunlight. Never leave your mouthguard in a hot car, near a heating vent, or in direct sunlight. Heat warps the material and changes the fit. The Cleveland Clinic warns that exposing a mouthguard to extreme heat can permanently alter its shape.
Keep it away from pets. Dogs in particular are drawn to mouthguards because of the residual saliva scent. The ADA notes that mouthguards are a common target for family pets who treat them as chew toys.
Night Guard vs. Sports Mouthguard: Are There Different Cleaning Tips?
Night guards and sports mouthguards benefit from the same basic cleaning steps, but each type faces different challenges based on how and when it is worn.
Night guards (occlusal guards) sit in your mouth for six to eight hours while you sleep. Saliva production slows overnight, which allows bacteria to concentrate on the guard’s surface. Cleaning your night guard every morning is especially important. Brush your teeth before putting the guard in at bedtime so you start with a cleaner oral environment.
Sports mouthguards face different challenges. They are exposed to sweat, dirt, and field debris, and often get tossed into gym bags alongside dirty equipment. A 2025 study published in BMC Oral Health found that the predominant contaminants on youth sports mouthguards were environmental bacteria rather than typical oral microbes, suggesting that handling and storage during sports activities play a large role in contamination. Rinse your sports mouthguard immediately after every practice or game, and never store it loose in your gym bag.
Both types of mouthguards benefit from the same weekly deep cleaning routine and should always be stored in a ventilated case.
What Products Should You Avoid When Cleaning a Mouthguard?
Avoid using bleach, alcohol-based mouthwash, abrasive toothpaste, and boiling water to clean your mouthguard. These products can damage the material and reduce the guard’s protective fit.
Several common household products seem like they should work but actually do more harm than good:
Bleach and harsh chemicals. Bleach degrades mouthguard material over time, weakening its structure and leaving a chemical residue that is unsafe to put in your mouth.
Alcohol-based mouthwash. Soaking a mouthguard in mouthwash that contains alcohol can dry out and crack the plastic. If you want to use a mouthwash soak, choose an alcohol-free formula and limit soaking time to a few minutes.
Whitening or abrasive toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes contain particles that scratch the mouthguard surface, creating grooves where bacteria accumulate. Use mild soap instead.
Boiling water. Unless you are intentionally molding a new boil-and-bite guard per the manufacturer’s instructions, never put a mouthguard in boiling water. The heat will warp the plastic and ruin the fit.
Dishwashers and microwaves. The heat in a dishwasher or microwave will distort your mouthguard beyond repair.
When Should You Replace Your Mouthguard?
Replace your mouthguard when you notice visible cracks, holes, thinning, persistent odor that does not go away after deep cleaning, or a noticeable change in fit.
Even with excellent cleaning and storage habits, mouthguards do not last forever. Here are the signs it is time for a new one:
Visible damage. Cracks, tears, holes, or jagged edges mean the guard can no longer protect your teeth effectively. Damaged areas also harbor bacteria that cleaning cannot reach.
Persistent odor or discoloration. If a mouthguard still smells or looks stained after deep cleaning, the material has absorbed bacteria that cannot be removed.
Changes in fit. A mouthguard that feels loose or shifts around has lost its shape. An ill-fitting guard provides less protection and less effective bruxism relief.
Material thinning. Night guards worn by heavy grinders may develop thin spots or holes in the biting surface. Check your guard regularly by holding it up to a light source.
As a general guideline, custom-fitted mouthguards can last one to several years. Boil-and-bite guards typically last six to twelve months. Stock guards may need replacing every few months. Children and teenagers may need replacements more frequently as their teeth and jaws grow.
Bring your mouthguard to your regular dental appointments at Nolan & Freund Dental Professionals so Mike Nolan, DDS, or Chad Freund, DDS, can evaluate its condition and recommend a replacement if needed.
How Can a Dentist Help with Mouthguard Care?
A dentist can professionally clean your mouthguard using ultrasonic equipment, check its fit, and fabricate a custom replacement when needed.
Dentist Karyn Kahn, DDS, of the Cleveland Clinic recommends bringing your mouthguard to every dental checkup so your dentist can clean it in an ultrasonic machine and check for wear. Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to dislodge bacteria from microscopic pores that a toothbrush cannot reach. Your dentist can also spot early signs of fit problems before they become a bigger issue.
If you live in Glenview or the surrounding North Shore area and need a custom mouthguard or professional cleaning for your current guard, Nolan & Freund Dental Professionals offers family and preventive dental services that include mouthguard evaluations.
FAQ
How often should I clean my mouthguard?
Clean your mouthguard after every use with cool water and a soft-bristled toothbrush with mild soap. Perform a deeper soak using denture tablets, hydrogen peroxide, or a vinegar solution once a week.
Can I use toothpaste to clean my mouthguard?
Most dentists recommend against it. Standard toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can scratch the surface of a mouthguard, creating tiny spaces where bacteria hide. Use mild, fragrance-free hand soap or dish soap instead.
How long do mouthguards last?
A custom-fitted mouthguard from a dentist can last one to several years with proper care. Boil-and-bite mouthguards typically last six to twelve months. Stock mouthguards may only last a few months. Lifespan depends on material quality, frequency of wear, and maintenance habits.
Can a dirty mouthguard make you sick?
Yes. Research published in Sports Health found that mouthguards harbor bacteria, yeasts, and molds linked to oral infections, respiratory problems, and other health issues. The Academy of General Dentistry warns that a contaminated mouthguard can serve as a reservoir for bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay.
Should I clean my mouthguard case too?
Yes. Wash your mouthguard case with warm, soapy water at least once a week and let it dry completely. A clean mouthguard stored in a dirty case picks up bacteria from the case. Replace your case every six to twelve months.
Is it safe to soak a mouthguard in mouthwash?
You can soak briefly in alcohol-free mouthwash as an occasional disinfecting step. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, which dry out and crack the material. Limit soaking to a few minutes and rinse well with cool water afterward.
How do I get rid of a bad smell on my mouthguard?
Soak in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water for 15 to 30 minutes, or use a denture cleaning tablet dissolved in lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. If the smell persists after deep cleaning, the mouthguard has likely absorbed bacteria and should be replaced.
Can I share a mouthguard with someone else?
No. Sharing a mouthguard transfers bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms between users. Each person should have their own mouthguard fitted to their own teeth.
Ready for a custom mouthguard or need your current guard checked? Call Nolan & Freund Dental Professionals in Glenview, IL, at (847) 724-6222 or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Mike Nolan and Dr. Chad Freund are happy to help you find the right mouthguard and show you how to keep it clean for years to come.
Why Choose Nolan & Freund Dental Professionals?
At Nolan & Freund Dental Professionals in Glenview, your comfort, confidence, and long-lasting smile are our top priorities. From routine check-ups and preventive care to cosmetic enhancements, restorative solutions, and advanced implant dentistry, our experienced team delivers personalized, modern dental care for patients of all ages. We combine state-of-the-art technology with gentle, compassionate service to make every visit comfortable and effective.
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