Cleaning a Mouthguard
Short answer. Cleaning a mouthguard takes about a minute after each use: rinse it, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, let it dry fully, and keep it in a ventilated case. Skip hot water and harsh chemicals, which can warp or damage the material.
- Rinse the guard right after every practice or game, before it goes in the bag.
- Use cool water, a soft brush and mild soap, never hot water or abrasive cleaners.
- Let it air dry completely, then store it in a case with air holes.
- Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth as usual, because a clean guard sits on a clean mouth.
- Ask the dental team about anything that looks cracked, smells strongly or irritates the gums.
The one-minute routine after every use
The easiest habit is to tie cleaning to something that already happens. When your teen walks in from practice, the guard comes out of the bag and goes under the tap before anything else. Rinse it with cool water, then brush every surface, inside and out, with a soft toothbrush and a little mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste.
A separate toothbrush kept just for the guard avoids confusion. Rinse off the soap thoroughly, shake off the water and set the guard somewhere it can dry in open air. That is the whole routine, and consistency matters more than any special product.
What to avoid when washing
Most mouthguards are made of thermoplastic materials that soften with heat. Hot tap water, a dishwasher, a microwave, boiling water or a hot car dashboard can bend the shape, and a guard that no longer fits snugly is less likely to be worn or to stay put during play.
Harsh cleaners are the other trap. Bleach, strong disinfectants and scrubbing powders can roughen or discolor the surface, and rough spots hold on to residue. Alcohol-based mouth rinses are best left out too, since the guard sits against the gums for a long stretch.
- No hot or boiling water
- No dishwasher or microwave
- No bleach or abrasive powders
- No leaving it in a hot car or gym bag
Drying and storing it properly
A damp guard sealed in a closed bag is a poor idea. After rinsing and brushing, let it dry fully on a clean surface, then put it in a hard case that has ventilation holes. The case protects the guard from being crushed or chewed by a pet, which happens more often than parents expect.
Keep the case in the sports bag rather than loose in a pocket, and wash the case itself with soap and water every so often. Never wrap a guard in a tissue or napkin, because it is easy to throw away by accident.
Does a clean guard need a clean mouth?
A guard sits against teeth and gums for the length of a game, so what your teen does at home still counts. Dental organizations commonly advise brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth once a day and limiting how often sugary or acidic drinks reach the teeth. Sports drinks are a common culprit in a teen's routine.
Some families also wonder about oral probiotic supplements. As one example, the seller of ProDentim describes it as a chewable oral probiotic, and says people who are pregnant, nursing, on medication or managing a medical condition should talk to a doctor first. Research on oral probiotics is still developing and mixed, so any supplement is optional, never a replacement for habits or dental visits.
Signs the guard needs attention
Cleaning will not fix everything. Watch for a strong smell that stays after washing, a sticky or cloudy film, visible cracks or bite-through spots, or a shape that has warped. Any of these suggests the guard is due for replacement rather than more scrubbing.
Also pay attention to the mouth. Sore gums, persistent bleeding, swelling, a bad taste or breath that does not go away, or mouth sores that do not heal deserve a visit to the dentist, not a new cleaning product. Mention it at the next checkup even if the symptom seems small.
Questions readers ask
Can the guard go in the same bag as dirty cleats?
It is better to keep it in its own ventilated case, then in the bag. The case keeps shoes, sweat and grit away from something that goes in the mouth.
Is it fine to share a guard between siblings?
No. A guard is molded or fitted to one mouth, and sharing it means sharing germs and a poor fit.
How often should the guard get a deeper clean?
Soap and a soft brush after every use is the baseline. If the guard looks stained or smells off despite that, treat it as a sign to ask the dental team or consider replacing it.
Talk to a professional. Persistent bleeding, pain, swelling, loose teeth or sores that do not heal need a dentist's attention, not a supplement.