How to Clean Night Guards for Teeth?

Night guards are essential tools for protecting you against grinding or clenching while you sleep. But they need proper care to keep your mouth clean and healthy. If you don’t clean your night guard, bacteria and plaque can build up. Let’s see how to clean night guards​ and keep them fresh, clean, and in great shape.

How to Clean Night Guard Naturally Daily?

Cleaning your night guards in Phoenix, Arizona, every day is important to remove germs, saliva, and food particles. Here’s a simple routine you can follow on how to clean night guard​:

1. As soon as you take your night guard out in the morning, rinse it with cool or lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. No need for toothpaste; just mild soap works best. Toothpaste might scratch the surface of your night guard and make it harder to clean later.
3. After brushing, give it another rinse under cool water to remove soap residue.
4. Place your night guard in a clean, dry spot with plenty of airflow. Moisture leads to bacteria buildup, so you want to keep it dry.
5. Once a week, store night guards in water and hydrogen peroxide (equal parts) for 15 minutes. This helps kill any lingering bacteria.

The best way to clean night guards is by rinsing them right away, brushing them gently with mild soap, and then letting them dry completely. If you want extra protection, disinfect it once a week with hydrogen peroxide.

How to Deep Clean Your Night Guard Monthly?

Deep cleaning once a month is key to removing tough buildup. Here is how to clean night guards​ deeply:

1. Mix equal parts with vinegar and warm water in a cup. Let your night guard soak in this solution for 30 minutes.
2. After soaking, use your soft toothbrush to scrub away any remaining debris.
3. Wash your night guard thoroughly with cool water to get rid of any vinegar.
4. After rinsing, soak your night guard in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. It kills bacteria and germs.
5. Dry your night guard completely before storing it. Make sure there’s no moisture left!

How to Clean Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding?

Mouth guards Phoenix for teeth grinding face more wear and tear than others. They need special care. Here’s how to clean your teeth grinding guard in top shape:

• Don’t use bleach or alcohol-based mouthwash on your mouth guard.
• You can get a small ultrasonic cleaner (similar to the ones dentists use). It’s great for cleaning hard-to-reach spots and removing bacteria.
• Soak your night guard in a denture-cleaning tablet solution for 10-15 minutes.
• Be careful when brushing your guard. Scrubbing too hard can scratch the surface and trap bacteria in those tiny scratches.

How to Store a Night Guard?

Aside from learning how to clean night guards, proper storage keeps your night guard safe from bacteria and damage. Here’s how to store night guards:

• Store your night guard in a case with ventilation holes. This allows airflow and prevents moisture from building up.
• Never store your night guard while it’s wet. Moisture encourages bacterial growth.
• Don’t leave your night guard in a hot place; for example, near a heater or in direct sunlight. High temperatures warp the material and ruin your guard.
• Store the case in a dry, clean place. Keeping it away from pets or small kids is always a good idea.

You could use night guard cleaning tablets. They’re especially helpful if you struggle with plaque buildup or don’t want to scrub your guard daily.

When to Replace Your Night Guard?

Well-maintained night guards Phoenix can last anywhere from 6 months to 5 years, based on usage. But there are signs that it’s time for a replacement:

• If your night guard has cracks or feels thinner, it’s time to get a new one.
• If it’s yellowed or smells bad, it may be time to replace it.
• Over time, night guards can lose their tight fit. If it no longer feels snug, it won’t provide the protection you need.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Night Guard?

Not knowing how to clean night guards can lead to some unpleasant issues. Here’s what could happen:

• Bacteria from your mouth can move to the guard. Over time, they multiply and cause infections or bad breath.
• Plaque can harden into tartar and make it difficult to clean. This can lead to gum problems or tooth decay.
• If moisture gets trapped inside, mold or fungus can grow. That’s not something you want to deal with!

How Often Should I Replace My Night Guard?

• Soft night guards are the most comfortable but wear out the fastest. Expect to replace them every 6 months to 1 year.
• Hard acrylic night guards last longer but may feel more rigid. With proper care, they can last 2 to 5 years.
• Dual-laminate night guards which are a mix of soft and hard materials, typically last 1 to 3 years.

Clean Night Guards in Phoenix, Arizona

At Atrium Dental, we offer expert advice and care for all your dental needs. If you need to know how to clean night guard in Phoenix, Arizona, or have questions about your new one, we’re here to help. Call us about your custom-made night guards to schedule your appointment online and get started.

How to Clean Night Guards: Final Thoughts

Cleaning your night guard daily is quick and easy. Simply rinse it, brush it gently, and let it dry completely. A deeper clean once a month will keep your night guard fresh and bacteria-free. With the right care and knowing how to clean night guards daily, your night guard can last a long time and protect your teeth from grinding at night.

FAQs about Cleaning Night Guards