How to Clean Your Night Guard (Without Ruining It)

Updated: July 2025

If you wear a night guard to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching, you're already taking a big step toward protecting your oral health. But did you know that how you clean your night guard can dramatically impact its lifespan, hygiene, and effectiveness?

Whether you’ve just started using one or you’ve worn night guards for years, here’s the ultimate guide to cleaning and caring for your custom dental appliance—so it stays fresh, clear, and effective.

Why Night Guard Cleaning Matters

Night guards spend hours in your mouth, exposed to saliva, bacteria, and debris. Without regular cleaning, they can:

• Develop odors

• Harbor harmful bacteria

• Discolor or yellow

• Wear out faster

Cleaning your night guard properly not only helps you maintain a healthy mouth—it also saves you money in the long run by extending the life of your guard. According to the American Dental Association, mouthguards should be rinsed before and after use and brushed gently with a soft-bristle brush and mild, fragrance-free cleanser

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Night Guard Daily

1. Rinse Immediately After Use
After removing your guard in the morning, rinse it under cool or lukewarm water to remove saliva and loose debris. Avoid hot water, which can warp custom night guards.

2. Gently Brush with Soap (Not Toothpaste!)
Use a soft toothbrush and mild, fragrance-free soap or dishwashing liquid. Gently brush all surfaces of the guard.

Pro tip: Don’t use regular toothpaste—it’s abrasive and can cause micro-scratches that trap bacteria.

3. Air Dry Completely
Place your clean guard on a clean surface and allow it to dry fully before storing. This prevents bacterial growth caused by moisture.

How often should I sterilize my night guard?

Weekly Deep Cleaning (Highly Recommended!)

Once a week, give your night guard a more thorough clean:

Option A: Denture Cleaning Tablets
Drop your night guard into a glass of water with an effervescent denture tablet (like Polident or Efferdent). Let it soak for the time indicated on the package, rinse, and air dry. 

ADA‑accepted cleaning solutions, like denture cleaner tablets, are effective at reducing bacteria buildup in removable dental appliances like night guards

Option B: Vinegar + Hydrogen Peroxide Soak

1. Soak the guard in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes.

2. Rinse.

3. Soak again in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes.

4. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Option C: Ultrasonic Cleaner with UV Light
An ultrasonic UV cleaner (like our Sentinel model) uses vibration and light to break down plaque and bacteria at a microscopic level—no scrubbing needed.

Can I use boiling water to sterilize my night guard?

How to Clean Your Night Guard Case

Your case is just as important to keep clean as the guard itself.

• Wash it once a week using mild soap and water.

• Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry before storing your guard inside.

• Never store your night guard in a sealed, wet environment—it needs airflow to stay fresh.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning Your Night Guard

Avoid these common mistakes:

• No boiling water: It can warp the shape.

• No bleach, alcohol, or harsh cleaners: These can break down the material.

• No mouthwash soaks: Most are alcohol-based and too harsh.

• Don’t brush with toothpaste: Too abrasive for night guard materials.

Key differences between cleaning and sterilizing:

• Cleaning involves removing visible debris and bacteria through methods like brushing with soap and water.
• Sterilization focuses on killing or eliminating microorganisms, including those not visible to the naked eye.
• Regular cleaning is vital for day-to-day maintenance.
• Sterilization provides an added layer of protection by eradicating stubborn discoloration, bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring proper care and hygiene of your night guard.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Night Guard

Even the best cared-for night guards don’t last forever. Replace yours if:

• It has visible cracks or warping

• It feels loose or fits poorly

• There’s persistent odor even after cleaning

• It’s been over 12 months of nightly use

One of the safest and most effective ways to sterilize your night guard is by using chemical disinfectant solutions specifically formulated for dental appliances. These solutions are designed to effectively kill a broad spectrum of harmful microorganisms without compromising the integrity or shape of your night guard.

They offer a convenient and straightforward method for sterilization, typically involving soaking your night guard in the solution for a specified amount of time as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, chemical disinfectant solutions are suitable for various types of night guards, including custom-made ones, making them a versatile option for maintaining optimal hygiene. However, it’s essential to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully and ensure proper rinsing of your night guard after sterilization to remove any residue from the solution before use.

1. Frequently Asked Questions

   Can I use mouthwash to clean my night guard?
   No—most mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can dry out and damage the material.

   How often should I clean my night guard?
   Daily cleaning is essential, with a deeper clean at least once a week.

   Is hydrogen peroxide safe to use?
   Yes, but limit soaking to no more than 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

   Do I need to use special cleaners?
   Not necessarily. Mild soap and water works well, but ultrasonic and denture cleaners offer a deeper clean

Can I soak my night guard overnight?

it is generally not advised to soak your night guard overnight. Prolonged exposure to disinfectant solutions can potentially lead to damage or degradation of the material, compromising the integrity and effectiveness of your night guard.

Additionally, extended soaking may increase the risk of irritation or discomfort when wearing the night guard. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or any specific recommendations from your dentist regarding the appropriate soaking time for your night guard and disinfectant solution. Typically, soaking your night guard for the recommended duration, which is usually a few minutes to an hour, is sufficient for effective disinfection without risking damage to the appliance. Always rinse your night guard thoroughly with water after soaking and before use to remove any residual disinfectant solution.

Final Thoughts

A night guard is an investment in your smile—so treat it like one! A simple daily rinse and weekly deep clean can keep your guard (and your mouth) in great shape.

And if you're looking for an easy, powerful way to clean your guard? Check out our Sentinel Ultrasonic UV Cleaner—designed specifically for mouthguards, retainers, and whitening trays.

Ready to replace an old guard or order a backup? We keep your impression on file indefinitely! Reorder easily with 20% off!

Would you like to learn more about Sentinel Mouthguards products and services? Visit our help center today!