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A custom night guard is an investment in your teeth. But like any dental appliance, it only works well if it's kept clean. A poorly maintained night guard can harbour bacteria, develop an unpleasant smell, discolour faster than it should, and potentially cause gum irritation. The good news is that keeping a night guard clean takes less than two minutes a day if you do it consistently.
Here's exactly how to clean your night guard the right way, what to avoid, and how to make it last as long as possible.
Why Cleaning Your Night Guard Matters
Your mouth isn't a sterile environment. While you sleep with your night guard in, bacteria, saliva and microscopic food particles accumulate on the surface of the guard. Left uncleaned, this buildup can cause several problems:
- Bacterial growth: bacteria that accumulate on a night guard can contribute to bad breath, gum irritation and tooth decay if reintroduced to the mouth regularly
- Discolouration: the clear material of a night guard yellows and clouds more quickly when it isn't cleaned regularly
- Odour: a night guard that isn't cleaned daily will develop an unpleasant smell over time that becomes harder to remove the longer it's left
- Reduced lifespan: bacterial and mineral buildup degrades the material faster, shortening how long your guard lasts
Two minutes of cleaning in the morning is all it takes to avoid all of the above.
Daily Cleaning Routine
The most important habit is cleaning your night guard immediately after removing it in the morning, before the saliva dries on the surface.
Step 1: Rinse with Cool Water
As soon as you take your night guard out, rinse it thoroughly under cool running water. This removes the majority of overnight saliva and surface bacteria before they dry onto the guard. Always use cool water. Hot water can warp the thermoplastic material of your night guard, affecting the fit.
Step 2: Brush Gently
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush the surface of your night guard gently with a small amount of mild liquid soap. Dish soap or hand soap both work well. Do not use toothpaste as most formulas contain abrasive particles that scratch the surface of clear dental materials, creating tiny grooves where bacteria can accumulate more easily.
Step 3: Rinse Again
Rinse the night guard thoroughly under cool water to remove all soap residue. Check that there are no cloudy patches or visible residue remaining. Allow it to air dry for a few minutes before placing it in its case.
Deep Cleaning Once a Week
In addition to your daily routine, a weekly deep clean helps remove mineral deposits and any buildup that regular brushing might miss.
Option 1: Denture or Retainer Cleaning Tablets
Dental cleaning tablets designed for retainers or dentures work well for night guards too. Drop one tablet into a glass of cool water, place your night guard in the solution, and leave it to soak for the time specified on the packet. Rinse thoroughly afterward. These tablets are inexpensive, widely available, and very effective at removing discolouration and killing bacteria.
Option 2: White Vinegar Soak
White vinegar is a natural antibacterial and an effective way to remove mineral deposits from clear dental appliances. Soak your night guard in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water for 15 to 30 minutes, then brush gently and rinse well. The smell dissipates quickly after rinsing.
Option 3: Baking Soda Paste
Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it gently to the night guard with a soft brush, let it sit for a minute or two, then rinse thoroughly. Baking soda is mildly alkaline and helps neutralise the acidic bacterial environment that builds up on dental appliances overnight.
What to Avoid
Some cleaning methods that seem reasonable can actually damage your night guard or shorten its lifespan significantly.
- Hot water: even briefly rinsing with hot water can cause the thermoplastic material to warp, changing the fit of your guard
- Toothpaste: most toothpastes are too abrasive for clear dental materials and will scratch the surface over time
- Mouthwash: many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which degrades clear plastic materials and causes discolouration and brittleness over time
- Bleach or harsh chemicals: these can damage the material and leave residues that are harmful to oral tissue
- UV sanitisers not designed for dental appliances: some UV devices run too hot and can warp soft night guard material
- Leaving it in a sealed container while still wet: sealing a damp night guard traps moisture and creates the ideal environment for bacterial and mould growth
How to Store Your Night Guard
Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. After cleaning and allowing your night guard to air dry for a few minutes, store it in the ventilated case that came with it. The ventilation holes allow airflow, which prevents the moisture buildup that promotes bacterial growth.
Keep the case and guard away from:
- Direct sunlight: UV exposure and heat can warp the material over time
- Bathroom counters in warm rooms: heat and humidity accelerate degradation
- Pets: dogs in particular are attracted to the smell of dental appliances and will chew them given the chance
- Tissues or napkins: wrapping a night guard in a tissue is one of the most common ways people accidentally throw it away
When to Replace Your Night Guard
Even with perfect cleaning and storage, night guards don't last forever. Here are the signs it's time to replace yours:
- Visible cracks or chips in the material
- Warping that means it no longer fits snugly
- Thinning or visible wear-through on the surface
- Persistent discolouration or odour that won't clean off
- You've worn through the outer layer of a mixed guard
Soft guards typically last 6 to 12 months. Mixed guards last 1 to 2 years. Hard guards can last 2 to 3 years or more with proper care. Heavy grinders will naturally reach the lower end of these ranges regardless of how well they clean and store their guard.
When it's time to replace your night guard, Jawology's custom replacement guards start from $199 and are made to order from fresh impressions. No clinic visit required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use toothpaste to clean my night guard?
No. Most toothpastes contain mild abrasives that are fine for tooth enamel but will scratch the surface of clear dental materials. These scratches create tiny grooves where bacteria accumulate more easily, and they also cause the material to cloud and discolour faster. Use mild liquid soap instead.
Can I soak my night guard in mouthwash?
Avoid it. Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which degrades clear plastic materials over time, causing discolouration and making the material more brittle. Retainer or denture cleaning tablets are a much better option for soaking.
How often should I deep clean my night guard?
Once a week is sufficient for most people alongside a daily rinse and brush routine. If you notice discolouration or odour developing between weekly cleans, increase the frequency or try a vinegar soak.
My night guard smells. What do I do?
A persistent smell usually means bacteria have built up in the material. Try a 30-minute soak in a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution, followed by a thorough brush with mild soap and a good rinse. If the smell persists after that, it may be time to replace the guard.
Can I clean my night guard in the dishwasher?
No. Dishwashers use hot water and harsh detergents that will warp and damage a night guard. Always clean by hand with cool water and mild soap.
How do I clean the storage case?
Rinse the case with cool water and mild soap regularly, at least once a week. Allow it to dry fully before putting a clean night guard back inside. A damp case is just as problematic as a damp guard when it comes to bacterial growth.
Stop Grinding. Start Protecting.
Order your custom Jawology night guard for $199. Soft, mixed or hard, all arch options, one price.
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