Your night guard is your teeth’s best friend – protecting your smile from grinding, clenching, and damage while you sleep. But just like brushing your teeth, cleaning your night guard daily is essential for your oral health and to extend the life of your guard.
At Sentinel Mouthguards, we’ve made thousands of custom-fit night guards since 2012, and here is our professional, no-nonsense guide to keeping yours fresh, clean, and long-lasting.
Quick Daily Cleaning Routine
1. Rinse immediately after removal
Each morning, remove your night guard and rinse it under cool or lukewarm water. This removes saliva and debris before bacteria begin multiplying.
2. Brush gently (no toothpaste)
Using a soft toothbrush, gently brush your guard. Avoid toothpaste as it’s abrasive and can scratch the surface, creating tiny pockets for bacteria to grow.
3. Let it air dry
After cleaning, place your night guard on a clean surface and allow it to air dry completely before storing it in its case. Moist environments breed bacteria and odors.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), night guards should be cleaned daily to prevent bacteria buildup that can lead to bad breath or oral infections.
Weekly Deep Cleaning Options
Even with daily cleaning, bacteria can accumulate over time. Perform a deep clean at least once a week to keep your guard sanitary.
Option 1: Ultrasonic Cleaner with UV
Best for: All guard types (soft, hard, dual laminated)
✔ How: Place your guard in an ultrasonic cleaner with water. Add a few drops of gentle soap if desired. Run the cleaning cycle. UV light adds an extra layer of bacteria and odor elimination.
✔ Pros: Most thorough clean, kills bacteria, preserves guard integrity.
✔ Cons: Requires purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner, but is the gold standard.
Sentinel Tip: Our Ultrasonic UV Cleaner provides a 360° deep clean and disinfects 99% of bacteria in just minutes.
Option 2: Denture cleaning tablets
Best for: Hard guards
✔ How: Dissolve a denture tablet in warm water per instructions and soak your guard for 10-15 minutes.
✔ Pros: Affordable, easy.
✔ Cons: Can degrade soft guards over time, leave a chemical taste if not rinsed thoroughly.
Option 3: White vinegar soak
Best for: Odor removal
✔ How: Soak your guard in equal parts white vinegar and cool water for 15-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
✔ Pros: Natural antibacterial properties, neutralizes odors.
✔ Cons: Strong smell, may leave slight taste if not rinsed well.
Option 4: Hydrogen peroxide soak
✔ How: Soak your guard in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes, then rinse well with cool water.
✔ Pros: Kills bacteria, brightens.
✔ Cons: May not fully remove buildup, avoid prolonged soaking to protect material integrity.
What NOT to Do When Cleaning Your Night Guard
🚫 Avoid hot water: Warms can warp your guard’s shape.
🚫 Never use toothpaste: Abrasive ingredients scratch the surface.
🚫 Don’t soak in mouthwash overnight: Alcohol-based solutions can degrade your guard, especially soft and dual laminated types.
🚫 Don’t skip drying before storage: Moisture breeds bacteria and odors.
Best Products for Cleaning Night Guards
✔ Ultrasonic UV Cleaner – recommended by dental professionals for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
✔ Denture tablets (for hard guards only).
✔ Mild antibacterial soap.
✔ White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (for occasional deep cleans).
Sentinel Recommendation: For the cleanest, safest guard, we recommend our Ultrasonic UV Cleaner. It’s fast, easy, and ensures your guard stays free of bacteria and odor-causing buildup.
How to Store Your Night Guard Properly
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Let it dry completely before storage.
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Store in a ventilated case to keep airflow and prevent bacterial growth.
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Keep away from pets – dogs especially love chewing on night guards!
How Often Should You Replace Your Guard?
Depending on your grinding severity and material type:
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Soft guards: Every 6-12 months.
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Dual laminated guards: Every 1-2 years.
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Hard guards: Up to 3 years with proper care.
If you notice cracks, tears, or a loose fit, it’s time to replace your guard for effective protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean my night guard with toothpaste?
No. Toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch your guard, creating spots where bacteria thrive.
How often should I deep clean my night guard?
At least once per week, in addition to daily cleaning.
Is vinegar safe for night guards?
Yes, in moderation. A 15-30 minute soak is safe for most guards, followed by a thorough rinse.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning your night guard is simple but essential. By following these professional tips, you’ll keep your guard fresh, odor-free, and protective for as long as possible.
Want the ultimate clean? Check out our Ultrasonic UV Cleaner designed specifically for night guards, dental retainers, and whitening trays.
Your smile deserves the best protection – and the cleanest guard.
Order your cleaner today or reorder your night guard with ease at Sentinel Mouthguards.