Keeping Your Mouthguard Fresh

Whether you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, your mouthguard requires some special care. While mouthguards from a sporting goods store may be on the cheaper end of the spectrum, custom ones from your dentist can cost a pretty penny. Your mouthguard will help keep your teeth, jaw and head safe.

So, follow these tips on how to clean your mouthguard and keep it fresh!

Rinse

As soon as you remove your mouthguard from wearing it, it is crucial that you rise it with warm water. This will help remove any debris or plaque that has built up overnight or during your sporting event. Just like plaque can be a nuisance to your teeth, it can be a real pain for your mouthguard.

Brush

Rinsing your mouthguard helps but what about that remaining content that builds up after a wearing? Brushing your mouthguard with a toothbrush will help prolong the life of it as well as keeping it fresh. Toothpaste is not entirely necessary, especially if it is an abrasive kind because it can cause scratching and actually wear it out faster.

Dry

Before you store your guard for any length of time, it is important to let it air dry completely. Storing it wet can lead to rapid bacteria growth which will not only smell less than ideal but when you wear it again, it can cause dental issues such as cavities. Air drying it should only take 15-30 minutes.

Storage

Once your mouthguard is completely dry, you should always store it in its case. Don’t leave your mouthguard in the bathroom because the heat and humidity can cause it to warp.

Deep Clean

It is important to deep clean your mouth at least once a week. The first way to do this is to buy over-the-counter denture cleaning tablets and just follow the instructions. The second way is with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide combo soak. First, soak your mouthguard in distilled white vinegar for 30 minutes, rinse and dry and then soak for 30 more minutes in hydrogen peroxide. The final way, but not as effective, is to soak your mouthguard in a solution of water and mouthwash. Whichever way you choose, never let your mouthguard soak for more than an hour because the liquids may damage the mouthguard’s material.

These mouthguard cleaning instructions may seem like a time-consuming and complicated but spending the time to care for your mouthguard properly will prolong the life and keep your teeth healthy and safe. At Doral Dental Specialists, we strive to provide you with the best dental care in the Doral/Miami area including custom mouthguards for sports or nighttime wear. To learn more or to schedule your appointment today, visit https://www.doraldentalspecialists.com/general-dentistry#mouthguards.

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