So you got a night guard. When I started to use mine, I wondered what to clean it with, how to properly clean it, and how I should store it. We brush our teeth when we wake up, so it’s only right that we brush our night guards too.
Learn how to clean a night guard with these 4 tips:
- Wash your hands before putting in or taking out your guard. You don’t want to transfer any germs into your mouth.
- Always clean your night guard with a toothbrush and toothpaste whenever you take it out in the morning. This will help remove saliva and any tricky bacteria, like the kind that causes bad breath, or plaque that may have been growing in your mouth overnight. Never use hot water to clean your guard, as the heat could deform or melt it, rendering your night guard worthless.
- Store your night guard in a cool, dry place, like a nice case, to eliminate the possibility of further bacterial growth throughout the day. You don’t want it getting dirty when it isn’t in your mouth! Regularly give the container a good cleaning with soap or put it through a spin in the dishwasher! You don’t want a clean guard going into a wet, dirty case.
- Soak your night guard in denture cleaner once a week to ensure a fresh feel and taste. Never use alcohol-based products like mouthwash as they can stain or ruin your night guard.
Night guards are important for people who grind their teeth at night, and keeping them clean is just as important. You don’t want to cause any damage to your teeth overnight by letting plaque and bacteria build-up. Also note, that you will want to consider a mouthguard if you need greater protection while playing contact sports.
Now that you know how to clean a night guard, learn how to keep your toothbrush clean.
