Think about the things you use every single day: your phone, your glasses, even your favorite pair of shoes. When you take care of them properly, they last longer, they work better, and you avoid the frustration of having to replace them too soon. The same principle applies to your night guard.
Your night guard protects your teeth from the grinding and clenching that happens while you sleep. It is one of the most important tools for protecting your oral health, but only if it is kept clean. A dirty or damaged guard can become a breeding ground for bacteria, cause bad breath, or even lead to gum irritation. Worse, using the wrong cleaning methods can warp or scratch your guard so it no longer fits.
So, how do you keep your night guard clean and safe without ruining it? Here are five dentist-approved tips, plus a few things you should never do.
Why Cleaning Your Guard Matters
Your night guard spends hours in your mouth every night. Saliva, bacteria, and food particles naturally accumulate on its surface. If the guard is not cleaned properly:
• Bacteria and plaque can transfer back onto your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities and gum problems.
• Odors can develop, leaving your guard with a sour smell.
• The material can discolor or weaken over time, making the guard less durable.
Research confirms this: dental appliances like night guards quickly develop bacterial biofilms if not cleaned regularly, which can lead to infections and surface damage over time (Wiley Online Library). In fact, oral health experts warn that scratches or microscopic wear on an uncleaned guard can trap microbes such as Streptococcus and Candida, making them harder to remove and increasing the risk of gum irritation (Oral Health Group).
5 Tips You Wish You Knew Before
1. Skip the Toothpaste
Toothpaste might seem like an obvious choice, but most brands contain gritty abrasives. These scratch the smooth surface of your night guard. Scratches trap bacteria, making your guard harder to keep clean in the long run.
Instead, use a non-abrasive option like Remi’s Night Guard Cleaning and Whitening Foam. It gently lifts stains, kills odor-causing bacteria, and helps your guard look and feel fresh.
2. Avoid Hot Water
Heat is one of the quickest ways to ruin a night guard. Hot or boiling water can warp the material so it no longer fits snugly against your teeth. Even slight warping can make the guard uncomfortable and less protective. Always rinse with cool or lukewarm water instead.
3. Soak for a Deeper Clean
A quick rinse removes surface debris, but it does not eliminate all bacteria. That is why soaking is important. Some people use a mild, clear liquid soap in water once a week, but for a more thorough option, the Remi Ultrasonic Cleaning Devices are highly effective. It uses sound waves to reach tiny crevices and remove buildup that simple rinsing cannot. This gives your guard a professional-grade clean without risk of damage.
4. Store It Safely
Even a freshly cleaned guard can pick up bacteria if left on a sink or tossed into a drawer. Always place your guard in a ventilated case so air can circulate and moisture can evaporate. This prevents bacterial growth and helps the guard maintain its shape.
5. Clean Consistently
The biggest mistake people make is cleaning their guard only once in a while. A guard that is not cleaned daily can collect more bacteria than a toothbrush. This can lead to bad breath, gum irritation, and even infections. Make cleaning your guard part of your bedtime and morning routines. Rinse with cool water, apply a cleaning foam, then store in a ventilated case.
How Do You Know if Your Guard is Clean?
A clean guard should look clear, feel smooth, and have no odor. If it feels slimy, has cloudy buildup, or smells even after rinsing, it needs a more thorough cleaning. That is usually the time to use a deeper method, such as soaking with an ultrasonic cleaner.
What Not To Do With Your Guard
To keep your guard safe, avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not use bleach or alcohol based mouthwash; these chemicals can damage the material.
- Do not leave your guard exposed to direct sunlight; heat and UV can warp or weaken it.
- Do not scrub with stiff brushes; soft bristles are best to avoid scratches.
|
Cleaning Method |
Safe for Guards |
Effective for Bacteria |
Risk of Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Toothpaste |
No |
Moderate |
Scratches surface |
|
Hot Water |
No |
Low |
Warps guard |
|
Soap & Cool Water |
Yes |
Moderate |
Safe if rinsed well |
|
Ultrasonic Cleaner |
Yes |
High |
None |
|
Cleaning Foam |
Yes |
High |
None |
Taking care of your night guard is just like taking care of anything else you rely on every day; when you clean it properly, it lasts longer and works better. Avoid toothpaste and hot water, soak regularly, store in a ventilated case, and clean every day.
A fresh guard means fewer bacteria in your mouth, less odor, and better protection for your smile. With the right tools like Remi’s Cleaning and Whitening Foam and Ultrasonic Cleaning Devices, you can be confident your guard is clean and safe every time you use it.
