A mouthguard, or teeth grinding night guard, is a removable oral device that covers your teeth. The device is worn to separate your top teeth from your bottom teeth while sleeping. This can reduce teeth grinding or clenching at night, a condition known as sleep bruxism.

Mouthguards may also be used to manage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Some people also wear mouthguards when playing sports like football, hockey, and boxing. In these cases, the mouthguard protects your mouth and minimizes the risk of dental injuries.

Since you wear mouthguards in your mouth, it’s important to keep them clean. That’s because bacteria in your mouth can build up on your mouthguard.

Without regular cleaning, the bacteria can multiply, causing infection or bad breath.

Read on to learn how to clean your mouthguard and how to recognize the signs that it’s time to get a new one.

How do I clean my mouthguard at home?

There are many ways to clean your mouthguard with supplies you have at home.

Toothpaste

You can clean your mouthguard with a soft bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. It’s best to keep a separate toothbrush just for this purpose to avoid cross contamination of bacteria.

Avoid hard brushes and abrasive toothpastes, which can damage your mouthguard.

Here’s how to clean your mouthguard with a toothbrush:

  1. Rinse your mouthguard in cool water.
  2. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush.
  3. Gently brush the mouthguard.
  4. Rinse off the toothpaste.
  5. Let the mouthguard dry.
Soap and water

Another option is to use soap and water. Use a mild, alcohol-free soap to avoid damaging your mouthguard.

Examples include:

You’ll also need a toothbrush for this method. To wash your mouthguard with soap:

  1. Rinse your mouthguard in cool water.
  2. Apply a small amount of soap to your mouthguard.
  3. Gently brush the mouthguard with the toothbrush until soapy.
  4. Rinse the mouthguard to remove all the suds.
  5. Let the mouthguard dry.
Mouthwash

Mouthwash has antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for cleaning your mouthguard. Use alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid damage.

Here’s how this technique is generally used:

  1. Rinse your mouthguard with cool water.
  2. Add a capful of mouthwash to a clean glass.
  3. Dilute with water until there’s enough liquid to cover your mouthguard.
  4. Soak your mouthguard for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove and rinse with cool water.
  6. Let the mouthguard dry.
Baking soda

Baking soda removes debris and reduces bad odors.

Below is a common technique for using baking soda:

  1. In a clean bowl, combine equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste.
  2. Dip a toothbrush into the paste. Gently brush your mouthguard.
  3. Rinse your mouthguard with cool water.
  4. Let the mouthguard dry.
Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar

For a deeper clean, use hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. Both ingredients are inexpensive and natural.

Here’s how to clean a mouthguard with this method:

  1. Rinse your mouthguard in cool water.
  2. Place it in a clean glass. Add enough vinegar to cover the mouthguard. Let sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove and rinse your mouthguard with cool water. Rinse the glass, too.
  4. Return the mouthguard to the glass and add hydrogen peroxide until it’s covered.
  5. Let the mouthguard sit in the hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes.
  6. Rinse your mouthguard with cool water.
  7. Let the mouthguard dry.
Can I clean my mouthguard with chemicals?

If you feel like your mouthguard needs a deeper clean, try an over-the-counter (OTC) nonabrasive denture cleaner.

Typically, OTC denture cleaners contain sodium hypochlorite, a chemical bleach. When used according to the product’s directions, it’s considered safe for you and your mouthguard.

It’s worth noting that OTC cleaners may have synthetic fragrances and artificial dyes. If you’re sensitive to fragrances or concerned about these ingredients, chemical cleaners may not be the best choice.

Avoid soaking your mouthguard in the cleaner for too long. This can damage or degrade your mouthguard.

Here’s how OTC chemical cleaners are usually used.

Soak your mouthguard

Chemical cleaners are available as tablets and powders in small packets. When added to water, the cleaner will dissolve.

Most cleaners require the following steps:

  1. Fill a clean glass with warm water.
  2. Add the tablet or powder.
  3. Put your mouthguard in the solution.
  4. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes (or according to the package’s directions).
  5. Rinse with cool water.
  6. Let the mouthguard dry.
Brush with cleanser solution

Some cleaners can be used to brush your mouthguard. This method is meant to be used in addition to soaking.

To use this technique:

  1. After soaking your mouthguard, rinse with cool water.
  2. Dip a toothbrush into the solution. Brush your mouthguard.
  3. Rinse your mouthguard with cool water again.
  4. Let the mouthguard dry How often should I clean my mouthguard? You should clean your mouthguard after every use.

The following cleaners are appropriate for daily cleaning:

  • toothpaste
  • soap and water
  • mouthwash
  • baking soda

Stronger cleaners are best for deep cleaning, which you should do at least once a month. This includes OTC denture cleaners and vinegar with hydrogen peroxide.