Many people rely on night guards to protect their teeth from the harmful effects of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. But did you know that taking care of your night guard is just as crucial as wearing it?
Knowing how to clean a night guard properly helps maintain its effectiveness and prevents bacteria buildup that can compromise your oral health.
In this article, we’ll outline all the steps on how to clean your night guard and answer some common questions. This way, you can ensure a cleaner and healthier smile.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Night Guard
Just like your teeth, your night guard requires daily cleaning. This eliminates saliva, bacteria, and food debris that accumulate on its surface. Neglecting to clean it regularly allows these microorganisms to flourish.
This can potentially lead to bad breath, gum irritation, and even infections. Besides, a clean night guard simply feels fresher and more pleasant to wear.
Daily Cleaning Routine for a Night Guard
Incorporating a simple daily cleaning routine after each use goes a long way in maintaining your night guard’s cleanliness and longevity. Maintaining your night guard ensures a proper fit, protecting your teeth throughout its average lifespan.
You’ll also prevent bacteria growth by cleaning your night guard daily. Follow these steps for a cleaner night guard:
Rinse After Use
When you wake up, take out your night guard and rinse it thoroughly under cool or lukewarm running water. Hot water should be avoided because it can warp or damage certain materials. This will remove any loose debris and prevent rapid bacterial growth.
Brush Gently
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a soft-bristle toothbrush, gently brush all surfaces of your night guard. This helps dislodge any stubborn particles or plaque.
Consider designating a separate toothbrush specifically for cleaning your night guard to prevent bacterial cross-contamination, as advised by Healthline. A clean case is just as important as a clean mouth guard, so remember to clean your case regularly.
Avoid Toothpaste
While you use toothpaste on your teeth, avoid using it on your night guard. The abrasive agents found in most toothpaste can create microscopic scratches on the surface of your guard, making it more susceptible to harboring bacteria.
A mild, alcohol-free soap, such as castile soap, can be used if you need more than just water for cleaning.
Air Dry Thoroughly
After cleaning, allow your night guard to air dry completely before storing it. Placing it on a clean towel or paper towel in a well-ventilated area prevents moisture buildup that bacteria thrive in.
A dry night guard is crucial for inhibiting bacterial growth. You’ll need to ensure your night guard is completely dry before putting it back in the case.
Store Properly
Once your night guard is dry, store it in a well-ventilated case specifically designed for this purpose.
This protects it from dust, debris, and potential damage while ensuring proper airflow to further deter bacterial growth. Some people store their night guards in distilled white vinegar, but this isn’t a good idea.
Weekly Deep Cleaning: Going the Extra Mile
While daily cleaning is essential, a weekly deep cleaning routine ensures more thorough sanitation. Consider these various approaches:
Denture Cleaning Tablets
One of the most common methods is to use over-the-counter, non-abrasive denture cleaner tablets or a nonabrasive denture cleaner. These tablets, available at most drugstores, contain ingredients that effectively kill bacteria and eliminate odors without harming your night guard.
Simply drop a tablet into a glass or container filled with lukewarm water and submerge your night guard in the solution.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the recommended soaking time, usually around 15-30 minutes. Once the soaking is complete, remove your night guard and rinse it thoroughly under cool running water before allowing it to air dry.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen Peroxide is a readily available household antiseptic known for its potent ability to kill bacteria and whiten. Using it to clean your night guard is an effective way to maintain both its hygiene and appearance.
Create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water in a container. Ensure the container is deep enough to fully submerge your night guard. Soak the guard in the solution for 30 minutes to allow ample time for the hydrogen peroxide to work its magic.
Once the soaking is done, remove the night guard and rinse it thoroughly under running water. Make sure to remove any traces of the hydrogen peroxide solution before wearing it again.
Vinegar Soak
White vinegar, known for its natural antibacterial properties, offers a safe and effective alternative for deep cleaning your night guard. Soaking your night guard in a vinegar solution helps dissolve mineral deposits from saliva, leaving it cleaner. It is also a great method to clean your night guard monthly.
Prepare a solution by mixing equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a container. Submerge your night guard in the solution, ensuring it’s completely covered. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes to effectively target and eliminate bacteria.
We recommend soaking up to an hour for optimal cleaning, as indicated in custom night guard care instructions. This can help prevent rapid bacterial growth.
After soaking, thoroughly rinse your night guard under cool running water to remove any lingering vinegar taste or smell. Leave it to air dry before storing it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Night Guard
While cleaning a night guard is fairly straightforward, there are common pitfalls that can shorten its lifespan or compromise its effectiveness:
Using Hot Water
Avoid exposing your night guard to hot water, as this can warp or damage its shape and fit. This deformation might reduce its efficacy and could necessitate a replacement sooner.
Harsh Cleaning Agents
Strong chemicals like bleach, mouthwash containing alcohol, or abrasive cleaning agents can deteriorate your night guard’s material over time, leading to cracks or surface damage.
You could also damage your night guard by attempting to clean it with toothpaste. Using a dedicated toothpaste for dental bridges and dental implants is not recommended for night guards.
Improper Drying and Storage
Failing to air dry your night guard thoroughly or storing it while still damp can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, compromising your oral hygiene and the longevity of the guard.
This is why it’s important to ensure your guard is completely dry, perhaps laying it on a flat surface, before storing. Leaving your night guard out to dry can be a wasted effort if you don’t let it dry completely.
Protect Your Investment
Knowing how to clean your night guard is an important aspect of maintaining your oral health and maximizing its effectiveness. It also ensures your teeth are protected.
By following a simple daily cleaning routine and incorporating weekly deep cleans, you can significantly extend its lifespan and ensure it continues to provide optimal protection for your teeth. You’ll also be protecting your investment in a healthier, brighter smile.
Here at Walnut Grove Smiles, we create customized night guards for patients dealing with bruxism. Schedule a consultation with us today so we can begin getting you fitted, as well!