If you wear a night guard to protect your teeth from clenching or grinding, it’s not just your teeth that need care, your night guard does too. Think of it like a toothbrush or retainer. You use it every day, it sits in your mouth, and it collects bacteria. So learning how to clean your night guard the right way is not just a hygiene tip, it is a must.
In this guide, you will learn how to clean your night guard daily and weekly, what not to do, and how to store it properly so it stays fresh and lasts longer.
Why Cleaning Your Night Guard Matters
A night guard lives in your mouth and absorbs moisture while you sleep. That means bacteria, plaque, and sometimes even fungus can start to grow on the surface, especially if you skip cleaning. If left uncleaned, your night guard can start to smell, discolor, and even make you sick.
Cleaning your night guard is just as important as brushing your teeth. It keeps your mouth healthy, your night guard clear and fresh, and can prevent expensive replacements.
How to Clean a Night Guard Daily (1–2 Minutes)
Step 1: Rinse Right After Waking Up
When you take your night guard out in the morning, rinse it under cool or lukewarm water. Never use hot water—it can warp the shape if you have a soft or boil-and-bite style guard.
Step 2: Brush Gently with a Soft Toothbrush
Use a clean, soft toothbrush and gently scrub the entire surface. You can do this with:
- Water only (if you want to avoid any abrasives)
- Mild, clear liquid soap (non-antibacterial and fragrance-free is best)
- Non-abrasive toothpaste (avoid whitening pastes or gritty formulas)
Do not use the same toothbrush you use on your teeth. Keep a separate one just for your night guard to avoid cross-contamination.
Step 3: Rinse and Air Dry
After brushing, rinse the guard thoroughly. Then, let it air dry completely before storing it. Drying helps prevent bacteria and mold from growing inside your storage case.
Weekly Deep Cleaning (Once a Week)
Even with daily rinsing and brushing, your night guard still needs a deeper clean about once a week. Here are three simple ways to disinfect your night guard at home:
Option 1: Soak in Denture Cleaner
Fill a glass with warm (not hot) water and drop in a denture cleaning tablet. Soak your night guard for 10–15 minutes. This helps remove deeper buildup and kills odor-causing bacteria.
Make sure to rinse the guard thoroughly after soaking and let it dry before placing it in your case.
Option 2: Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide Soak
For a DIY method:
- Soak your night guard in white vinegar for 30 minutes.
- Rinse well with water.
- Soak again in hydrogen peroxide for 30 more minutes.
- Rinse and air dry.
This combination works well for disinfecting a night guard without harsh chemicals.
Option 3: Use a Special Night Guard Cleaner
Some brands make night guard-specific foams, sprays, or soak tablets. These products are designed to clean night guards without damaging the material. Follow the instructions on the label and rinse thoroughly afterward.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Night Guard
Not all cleaners are safe for your night guard. Some ingredients can degrade the plastic or cause it to become cloudy or brittle.
Avoid:
- Boiling water – Warps the shape of your night guard.
- Mouthwash with alcohol – Can dry out or crack the plastic.
- Bleach – Too harsh and can cause breakdown of materials.
- Dishwashers – Even on low heat, the drying cycle can ruin your guard.
- Abrasive toothpaste – Gritty formulas can scratch the surface and reduce clarity.
Stick to mild, non-alcohol, non-abrasive cleaners. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer or your dentist.
Also Read These Articles:
- Impact Of Care On Lifespan
- Cleaning Needs For Different Materials
- Cleaning And Refitting Tips
- Cleaning Tips For TMJ Guards
How to Store a Night Guard the Right Way
Proper night guard storage is just as important as cleaning. If you throw your guard in a drawer or keep it in a damp case, you are inviting bacteria to grow.
Here is how to store your night guard the right way:
1. Always Air Dry First
Before storing, make sure your night guard is completely dry. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Use a Ventilated Case
Store your clean night guard in a hard, ventilated case. This allows air to circulate and reduces moisture buildup. A solid plastic container without vents can trap moisture, leading to odor and bacteria.
3. Keep It Cool and Dry
Do not leave your night guard in a hot car or near a heater. Heat can warp the shape, especially if it is a soft or boil-and-bite guard. A cool, dry bathroom drawer or bedside table works well.
4. Clean the Case Weekly
Just like your guard, your case can collect dust, bacteria, and saliva residue. Wash the case with warm water and mild soap once a week. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before putting your guard inside.
What If My Night Guard Smells or Looks Cloudy?
If your night guard starts to smell even after cleaning, it is likely due to bacteria buildup or improper storage.
Here is how to refresh it:
- Try soaking in denture cleaner or a vinegar-peroxide solution as described above.
- Double-check your storage case for mold or old saliva buildup.
- Make sure you are letting the guard dry fully each morning.
If the odor persists or the surface starts to look cracked or chalky, it may be time for a replacement.
Bonus Tips for Long-Term Night Guard Care
Keeping your night guard in top shape is easy when you build a simple routine. Here are a few habits that help your guard last longer:
- Avoid chewing on the guard while it’s in your mouth.
- Keep pets away—dogs especially love to chew night guards.
- Bring it to dental checkups so your dentist can check the fit and wear.
- Replace your night guard every 1–3 years depending on the type and your grinding level.
Custom night guards tend to last longer than over-the-counter or boil-and-bite options, but they still need regular care.
Clean Night Guard = Healthy Mouth
Caring for your night guard is not complicated, but it does take consistency. A quick daily rinse and weekly soak can prevent bacteria buildup, extend the life of your guard, and keep your mouth healthy.
Remember:
- Rinse and brush it gently each morning.
- Let it air dry fully before storage.
- Do a deeper clean every week.
- Store it in a clean, ventilated case.
These steps take only a few minutes but can add years to the life of your night guard and help protect your smile every night.
Final Thought + Quick Resource
If you are not sure which cleaning routine is right for your type of night guard, download our free Night Guard Care Checklist. It includes:
- A simple daily and weekly routine
- Dentist-approved cleaning methods
- Product suggestions for storage and disinfecting
Also, take our Best Night Guard Finder Quiz to make sure your current guard still fits your needs. A clean night guard is great, but the right one makes all the difference.