How to Clean a Night Guard: A Simple Routine

A night guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep. It also spends about eight hours a night in a warm, damp mouth, so it collects plaque and bacteria faster than almost any other appliance. A short routine keeps it fresh.

Every morning

Rinse the guard under cool water as soon as you take it out. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and plain water or a little mild soap. Skip toothpaste, which scratches. Let it air dry completely before it goes in the case. A guard put away wet is a guard that will smell by evening.

Once or twice a week

Deep clean the guard. Soak it in warm water with one of our retainer cleaner tablets, or run it through an ultrasonic retainer cleaner for a few minutes. Night guards are often thicker than retainers and have deeper grooves, so a soak or an ultrasonic cycle does what brushing cannot.

Keep the case clean

Wash the case with soap and warm water once a week and let it dry open. A damp, closed case is where odors start.

What to avoid

• Hot water. Many night guards are made of a plastic that softens with heat and can lose its shape.
• Bleach, alcohol and harsh cleaners, which can damage the material and leave a taste.
• Leaving the guard on the nightstand with saliva on it.

Signs it needs attention

A yellow tint, a rough feel or a smell that cleaning does not remove means the guard is overdue for a deep clean. Cracks, holes or a loose fit mean it is time to ask your dentist about a replacement.

This article is general care information and is not medical advice. Follow the instructions from your dentist, orthodontist or the maker of your appliance.