How to Wash a Mouth Guard ?
While you should use your mouthguard properly for the health of your teeth, keeping it clean is important as well. No matter if you are using a mouthguard for basketball or some other sports, to protect your teeth at night and maintain their good oral hygiene, it should always be washed properly in order to prevent the formation of harmful viruses, bacteria or mold on the equipment. So read on for my tips and advice for washing your mouthguard.
How regularly should you clean your mouthguard?
Each time you use a mouth guard, it comes into contact with your saliva, bacteria and food debris. Eventually, without adequate cleaning you could encounter:
- Unpleasant odors
- Discoloration
- Bacterial buildup
- Potential oral infections
How to Clean a Mouthguard (Step-by-Step)
- Rinse After Each Use
Take care to rinse your mouthguard with cold water after each time you use it. This in turn stops saliva and residual food material from causing bacterial growth.
- Brush with Toothpaste
Gently brush the mouthguard with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste Don’t use abrasive toothpaste as it could cause the surface to become scratched, which would create a place for bacteria to live in Remember to wash the guard particularly well in its many crevices.
- Use Mouthguard Cleaner
There are also cleaners available specifically for mouthguards to help clean things up. They might be sprays or solutions which get rid of the bacteria and make your guard smelling fresh. For optimal results, follow the instructions that come with your cleaner.
- Soak in a Cleaning Solution
Try soaking your mouthguard in a mixture of water and antibacterial mouthwash or in a denture cleaning solution for a few days each week. Hot water will deform the mouthguard so avoid using bearable hot water.
- Rinse and Air Dry
Rinse the mouthguard off completely with water, and you will remove either type of cleaning chemical. Then, let it air dry completely before packaging it in its case. A wet mouth piece will breed more bacteria.
- Keep in a clean, ventilated box
Store your mouthguard without its case during downtime to let it breathe. Do not put it in a closed or sealed case which can trap moisture inside and to avoid the bacteria and mold growing inside.
- Replace When Necessary
Mouthguards eventually wear out, and can become discolored and have an unpleasant smell if not kept clean. An inspection protocol does need to be in place so you can have a dental protective device (you cannot rely on used material permanently or use one mouthpiece more than a season and provide any level of safety).
How often do you need to clean your mouthguard?
Cleaning: rinse and brush with toothpaste after each use.
Deep Clean: You can do a big soak in a disinfecting solution to kill the bacteria and just like, chill that smell out for at least another week.
Possible Mistakes To Avoid While Cleaning Your Mouth Piece
Hot Water: Hot water can bend and warp your mouthguard, and you might find it uncomfortable to wear.
NOT DRYING IT OUT AFTER: Storing a wet mouthguard can create mold and bacterial growth.
Forgetting to Clean the Case: The case you carry your mouth piece in could be a breeding ground for bacteria, so get in the habit of washing it regularly with soap and water.
FAQ Section
- Is it safe to clean a mouth guard with toothpaste?
Good, just be sure to avoid abrasive toothpaste. Rough toothpaste can scratch your mouthguard, giving bacteria extra places to hide.
- When should I replace my mouthguard?
When to Replace a Mouthguard, A mouth piece should be replaced at least once a year, or even sooner if it starts to show signs of wear (decreasing the fit) or becomes discolored, develops an odor.
- Can I rinse my mouthguard with mouthwash?
Sure, placing your mouthguard in a cup of water with antibacterial mouthwash will sanitize the guard and freshen it. Do not use alcohol-based mouthwashes as they will end up breaking down the material of your mouth piece over time.
- What happens if I never clean my mouthguard?
Not cleaning your mouthguard can cause bacteria and fungi to thrive which eventually led you to bacterial infections, leaving you with funky breath or worse, dental issues.
- Is hot water safe for cleaning my mouthguard?
Absolutely not warm/hot water If you use hot water, it becomes much easier to lose your mouth piece shape and make it less effective at saving the health of your teeth.
If you are a sports person you can find suggestion of mouthguard -> Here!
It is very important to keep a clean and healthy mouth piece on your nightstand. You want to keep your it clean, bacteria free (yuck), smelling nice and provide the protection that you bought it for. Don’t forget to wash it every day, clean all of it weekly and change it as deemed necessary for hygiene concerns also in terms of performance.
