Updated: July 2025

Do Night Guards Leach Microplastics?

✅ The Truth:

Yes, technically night guards can contain microplastics — depending on the material and quality.

But let’s break that down clearly:

In this article, we explore the question: ‘Do night guards leach microplastics?’ by examining the composition of commonly used night guard materials and evaluating available safety data to shed light on this emerging concern.

Understanding Night Guards

Night guards are dental appliances designed to protect teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism, a condition characterized by teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep. These devices act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, cushioning the impact of grinding and redistributing forces to alleviate pressure on the teeth and jaw muscles.

Night guards are typically recommended by dentists to prevent tooth wear, fractures, and other complications associated with bruxism. They come in various types, including custom-made guards crafted by dental professionals and over-the-counter options available at pharmacies or online retailers.

🔬 What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments (less than 5mm) that come from the breakdown of larger plastic products. They're not intentionally added to products — they form over time as plastics degrade due to chewing, heat, UV light, moisture, and wear.

🤔 So Do Night Guards Contain Microplastics?

• They don’t start out with microplastics inside them.

• But poor-quality plastic guards (especially boil-and-bite or OTC types) can break down and shed microplastics into the mouth over time.

This shedding is more likely when:

• The guard is old, cracked, or cloudy

• It’s made of low-grade thermoplastics

• It’s chewed on excessively (which most grinders do)

• It’s not cleaned or stored properly

🔬 Can a Night Guard Release Microplastics?

Here’s when the risk is highest:

• Over-the-counter night guards made of cheap thermoplastics

• Worn-out night guards that have visible cracks or cloudiness

• Boil-and-bite guards repeatedly heated and reused

These can break down over time and potentially release particles when chewed or ground on during sleep

✅ Why Sentinel Mouthguards Are Safe

We take material safety seriously. Here’s how our night guards are different:

• BPA-free & Latex-free: No endocrine disruptors or known allergens

• FDA-registered: Our Owner/Operator Number is 10093856

• High-grade dental copolyester or EVA: Durable, medical-grade material built for long-term oral contact

• No fillers or mystery materials

• Made in the USA using strict quality control and transparency

🧼 How to Care for Your Night Guard Safely

Even the best night guard can break down without proper care. Here’s how to extend its life and keep it clean:

• Rinse after each use

• Use an ultrasonic cleaner with UV once a week (like this one)

• Replace every 6–12 months depending on grinding severity

🛡️ Want a Night Guard That’s Safe and Effective?

We make custom-fit night guards using lab-quality materials — just like the dentist, but without the markup. Shop now and rest easy knowing your mouth is protected.

👉 Browse Custom Night Guards

Current Research and Future Directions

Despite the lack of specific studies examining the leaching of microplastics from night guards, ongoing research in related fields offers valuable insights into potential risks and mitigation strategies. Studies investigating the degradation of plastic-based materials, such as dental polymers and medical devices, provide essential information on the mechanisms and factors influencing microplastic release.

Additionally, advancements in analytical techniques enable the detection and characterization of microplastics in various matrices, including biological samples and environmental media. Future research efforts should focus on conducting controlled experiments to assess the leaching of microplastics from night guards under simulated oral conditions.

Long-term monitoring studies involving individuals wearing night guards could provide valuable data on exposure levels and potential health effects. Furthermore, the development of alternative materials and manufacturing processes that minimize microplastic release could offer sustainable solutions for dental practitioners and patients concerned about plastic pollution.

🧠 FAQs

Q: Are Sentinel night guards BPA-free?
Yes. Every guard we produce is BPA-free and biocompatible.

Q: Do night guards break down over time?
They can — especially if exposed to extreme heat, biting force, or poor cleaning habits. We recommend replacing your guard annually.

Q: What’s the safest type of night guard?
A custom-fit guard made from a single layer of medical-grade plastic (like ours) is the safest choice. Avoid boil-and-bite guards when possible.

Can wearing a night guard expose me to microplastics?

The potential for wearing a night guard to expose individuals to microplastics is still under investigation. Night guards are commonly made from plastic-based materials, which could degrade over time and release microplastic particles.

However, the extent of this occurrence and its health implications are not yet fully understood. While some studies suggest the presence of microplastics in oral care products, including night guards, further research is needed to assess the actual exposure levels and potential risks. It’s essential to stay updated on emerging findings and consult with dental professionals for personalized advice on night guard use and associated concerns.

How do I know if my night guard leaches microplastics?

Currently, there isn’t a straightforward way for individuals to determine if their night guard leaches microplastics. The process of microplastic leaching from dental appliances like night guards is complex and may not be visibly detectable. However, there are some indicators to consider:

1. Visible Degradation: If your night guard shows signs of wear, such as cracking, peeling, or becoming brittle over time, it may suggest degradation of the material, potentially leading to microplastic release.
2. Changes in Texture: Noticeable changes in the texture or surface of your night guard could indicate degradation, which may increase the likelihood of microplastic leaching.
3. Unusual Taste or Odor: If you detect any unusual taste or odor when wearing your night guard, it could be a sign of material degradation, although this may not always be indicative of microplastic release.
4. Regular Replacement: Following the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule for your night guard can help minimize the risk of microplastic leaching. Over time, materials may degrade, so replacing your night guard at the specified intervals can help ensure its effectiveness and safety.
5. Consultation with Dental Professional: If you have concerns about microplastic leaching from your night guard, consider discussing them with your dentist or dental professional. They can provide guidance on proper care, maintenance, and replacement of your night guard and offer insights based on the latest research and recommendations.

Are there alternative materials for night guards that don’t release microplastics?

1. Silicone-Based Polymers: Silicone-based night guards are a popular alternative to traditional plastic-based ones. Silicone is known for its durability, flexibility, and biocompatibility, and it typically does not degrade in the same way as some plastic materials, potentially reducing the risk of microplastic release.
2. BPA-Free Thermoplastics: Some manufacturers offer night guards made from thermoplastic materials that are labeled as bisphenol-A (BPA) free. These materials are designed to be durable and resistant to degradation, potentially minimizing the likelihood of microplastic leaching.
3. Bio-Based Plastics: Bio-based plastics derived from renewable sources such as plant-based materials offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. These materials may have reduced environmental impact and could be less prone to microplastic release, although specific research on their performance as night guard materials is limited.
4. Custom-Made Night Guards: Custom-made night guards, fabricated by dental professionals using high-quality materials, may offer better control over material selection and customization to fit individual patient needs. Dentists can recommend materials that are less likely to degrade and release microplastics over time.

Mitigating Microplastic Concerns

While the potential for night guards to leach microplastics remains a subject of ongoing research, individuals can take proactive steps to minimize environmental and health risks. Regular maintenance and replacement of night guards according to manufacturer recommendations can help mitigate the degradation of plastic-based materials and reduce the likelihood of microplastic release.

Dentists and dental laboratories may also explore alternative materials for night guard fabrication, such as silicone-based polymers or bio-based plastics, which could offer reduced environmental impact and potential health benefits. Additionally, adopting sustainable practices in dental care, such as proper disposal of worn-out night guards and recycling of dental materials, contributes to efforts to address plastic pollution.

By raising awareness and implementing precautionary measures, stakeholders in the dental community can work together to promote dental health while safeguarding the environment against the impacts of microplastic contamination.

🧾 Final Thoughts

While the term microplastics can spark concern — and rightfully so — the real risk depends entirely on the quality, material, and age of your night guard. Many over-the-counter options made from cheap plastics may degrade over time, especially with regular grinding and poor maintenance.

At Sentinel Mouthguards, we take your safety seriously. That’s why we use FDA-registered, BPA-free materials sourced from trusted suppliers and designed specifically for long-term oral use. Our custom-fit guards are made to be durable, comfortable, and most importantly — safe.

If you're looking for peace of mind along with protection, choosing a professionally made, lab-quality night guard like ours is the smartest step you can take. Your smile — and your health — deserve nothing less.