How to Clean Mouthguards Properly at Home

A mouthguard can look perfectly fine while carrying saliva, plaque and bacteria in the tiny scratches and corners you cannot easily see. Whether you wear one for weekend sport or use a custom splint to protect your teeth from grinding, knowing how to clean mouthguards properly helps it stay comfortable, odour-free and ready to protect your smile.

A good routine is simple, but it needs to be consistent. The wrong cleaning method can warp the material, leave it cloudy or shorten the life of a carefully fitted custom appliance. Here is how to care for it without compromising its fit.

How to clean mouthguards properly every day

Clean your mouthguard as soon as practical after each use. Do not leave it in a gym bag, on the bathroom counter or sealed in its case while it is still wet. Warm, damp conditions encourage bacterial growth and are a common reason mouthguards develop an unpleasant smell.

First, rinse it under cool or lukewarm running water. Avoid hot water, even if you are tempted to give it a thorough wash. Heat can distort thermoplastic materials, and even a small change in shape may affect how securely your guard sits over the teeth.

Next, use a soft toothbrush reserved only for your mouthguard. Gently brush all surfaces with a small amount of mild, clear liquid soap or a non-abrasive cleaning product designed for oral appliances. Pay attention to the inside surface that rests against your teeth and gums, as well as the edges and any grooves. Rinse thoroughly until no soap residue remains.

A toothbrush that has been used for teeth is not ideal, as it may transfer toothpaste residue or bacteria. Toothpaste can also be surprisingly abrasive, especially whitening formulas. Over time, it can create fine scratches where plaque and odour-causing bacteria are more likely to collect.

After cleaning, shake off excess water and allow the mouthguard to air-dry completely before placing it in its case. A clean tea towel can be used to gently pat it dry, but avoid wrapping it up damp. Once dry, store it in a hard, ventilated case to protect it from damage, dust and curious pets.

Give your mouthguard a deeper clean each week

Daily rinsing and brushing are the foundation, but a deeper clean once a week helps manage buildup that may not lift away with brushing alone. This is particularly helpful for people who wear a night guard or grinding splint every night.

Use a cleaning tablet specifically made for dentures, retainers or oral appliances, following the product directions closely. Usually, this involves soaking the mouthguard in cool or lukewarm water for the recommended time, then brushing gently and rinsing thoroughly. Do not assume that a longer soak means a better result. Extended soaking in a strong solution may affect some materials or metal components.

If you are unsure whether a tablet is suitable for your particular appliance, ask the clinician who made it. Custom mouthguards, soft sports guards, hard acrylic splints and appliances with metal parts can have different care needs. Personalised advice matters because preserving the fit is just as important as keeping the appliance clean.

For a light film or early odour, a brief soak in a mild solution of equal parts white vinegar and cool water may help, followed by a thorough rinse. This should be an occasional measure rather than an everyday substitute for proper cleaning. If the smell persists despite regular care, it is worth having the mouthguard assessed rather than repeatedly soaking it in stronger solutions.

What not to use on a mouthguard

Some household cleaning habits do more harm than good. Bleach, alcohol-based mouthwash, disinfectant sprays and harsh bathroom cleaners can damage the surface or leave residues that do not belong in your mouth. Boiling water, dishwashers and microwaves are also off limits. They may seem hygienic, but high heat can quickly alter a custom fit.

Avoid scrubbing with a stiff brush, scouring pad or gritty toothpaste. A mouthguard does not need aggressive cleaning to be hygienic. Gentle, regular care is more effective than occasional heavy-handed cleaning.

It is also best not to leave your guard soaking overnight unless your clinician has specifically advised it. Constant soaking can be unnecessary, and the appliance should spend time fully dry between uses.

Keep the storage case clean too

A clean mouthguard placed into a dirty case will soon pick up the same bacteria and odour again. Wash the case at least weekly with warm water and mild soap, rinse it well and let it air-dry. Check that the ventilation holes are not blocked, as airflow helps the mouthguard dry after cleaning.

Keep the case away from direct sunlight, hot cars and heaters. In a Victorian summer, the temperature inside a parked car can rise quickly enough to damage a mouthguard. The same goes for leaving it near a sunny window or in a pocket next to a heat pack.

Make a habit of using the case whenever the guard is not in your mouth. Mouthguards are easily lost when wrapped in a tissue, placed loose in a school bag or left on a café table. They are also a tempting chew toy for dogs, and pet damage is one of the more common reasons a guard needs replacing.

Different mouthguards need slightly different care

A sports mouthguard is often exposed to dirt, grass, dust and sweat as well as saliva. Rinse it immediately after training or a match, even if you cannot complete the full clean until you get home. Never share a sports mouthguard with another player, even briefly.

A night guard or grinding splint is worn in the cleaner environment of sleep, but it is in contact with teeth and saliva for many hours at a time. It therefore benefits from a reliable morning routine: rinse, gently brush, dry and store. If you have reflux, dry mouth or a heavy plaque buildup, regular professional checks can be especially useful because these factors may affect both the appliance and your oral health.

Custom-made appliances deserve particular care. Their close fit is what makes them comfortable and effective, whether they are designed for sport protection, teeth grinding or jaw support. If a guard suddenly feels tight, loose, rough, cracked or uncomfortable, do not try to reshape it at home. Bring it in for assessment.

When cleaning is not enough

Cleaning can remove surface residue, but it cannot repair wear, cracks or a changed fit. Replace a mouthguard if it has holes, splits, sharp edges, deep bite marks, persistent discolouration or an odour that does not improve with correct cleaning. A sports mouthguard should also be reviewed after dental treatment, significant weight changes in children and teenagers, or any change to the teeth that affects its fit.

For grinding splints, small changes can matter. A worn or damaged appliance may no longer distribute pressure as intended, and continuing to wear it could be uncomfortable or less protective. An experienced dental prosthetist can assess the appliance, clean it professionally where appropriate and advise whether an adjustment, repair or replacement is the safer option.

At V Smile Dental Studio, we see how much difference a well-made, well-maintained mouthguard can make to everyday comfort and confidence. The best care routine is the one you can repeat after every use: cool water, gentle cleaning, complete drying and safe storage. Your mouthguard protects your teeth, so give it the same thoughtful care you give your smile.