How to Clean and Care for Your Dental Night Guard

March 26, 2025

Your night guard protects your teeth from grinding—but are you protecting it? Without proper care, bacteria, plaque, and odors can build up, leading to bad tastes, stains, and even infections.

This guide covers easy, effective ways to clean and maintain your night guard, whether it's custom, boil-and-bite, or over-the-counter.

Daily Cleaning Routine

1. Rinse Every Morning

After removing your night guard, rinse it under cool water to wash away saliva and debris.
❌ Avoid hot water—it can warp plastic guards.

2. Brush Gently

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the same one for your teeth!) and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste.
Gently scrub all surfaces, including grooves where bacteria hide.

3. Soak Weekly

Soak your guard in a denture cleaner or a mix of 1:1 water and white vinegar for 15-30 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly before use.

Deep Cleaning Methods

Method	How Often?	Best For
Denture Cleaning Tablets	1-2x weekly	All guard types
Baking Soda Paste	Weekly	Stain removal
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)	Monthly	Disinfection

💡 Tip: For custom guards, avoid alcohol-based cleaners—they can dry out the material.

What NOT to Do

🚫 Don’t use toothpaste with whitening agents (abrasive and damaging)
🚫 Never boil your guard (melts or warps the shape)
🚫 Avoid mouthwash with alcohol (cracks plastic over time)

Storage Tips to Extend Its Life

✔ Keep it dry—store in a ventilated case (not wrapped in a tissue)
✔ Avoid extreme heat (e.g., don’t leave it in a hot car)
✔ Replace as needed (custom: 2-3 years; OTC: 6-12 months)