Keeping your sports mouth guard clean is essential for oral hygiene and to prolong its lifespan. The most effective way to clean your mouth guard is with a soft bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste.
Why Regular Cleaning is Crucial
A mouth guard sits in your mouth for extended periods, collecting bacteria, saliva, and food particles. Without proper cleaning, it can become a breeding ground for microorganisms, leading to:
- Unpleasant odors and tastes
- Bacterial infections in your mouth
- Deterioration of the mouth guard material
- Increased risk of gum disease or cavities
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Follow these steps to ensure your mouth guard remains hygienic and effective:
1. Immediate Rinse After Use
As soon as you remove your mouth guard, rinse it thoroughly under cool or lukewarm water. This helps wash away saliva and loose debris before they dry and stick to the surface. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
2. Gentle Brushing with Toothpaste
The primary cleaning method involves brushing.
- Dedicated Toothbrush: It's best to keep a separate soft bristle toothbrush exclusively for your mouth guard. This prevents the transfer of bacteria from your mouth guard to your regular toothbrush (and vice-versa).
- Non-Abrasive Toothpaste: Apply a small amount of nonabrasive toothpaste to the soft bristle brush.
- Brush Gently: Carefully brush all surfaces of the mouth guard, inside and out. Pay attention to grooves and crevices where bacteria can hide.
3. Thorough Rinsing
After brushing, rinse the mouth guard again under cool or lukewarm water to remove all traces of toothpaste and dislodged debris.
Alternative and Supplemental Cleaning Methods
While daily brushing is key, you can also incorporate other methods for deeper cleaning:
- Mouthguard Cleansing Tablets: Over-the-counter effervescent tablets, similar to those used for dentures (e.g., Polident), can be used for occasional deep cleaning. Follow the product instructions carefully regarding soaking time and water temperature.
- Mild Soap and Water: A mild hand soap or dish soap can be used instead of toothpaste, followed by a thorough rinse to ensure no soap residue remains.
- Antiseptic Mouthwash Soak (Brief): A very brief soak (no more than 30 seconds) in an antibacterial mouthwash, followed by rinsing, can help sanitize. However, do not make this a regular practice, as some mouthwashes contain alcohol that can degrade the mouth guard material over time.
What to Avoid
To prevent damage and ensure longevity, avoid the following:
- Hard Bristle Brushes and Abrasive Toothpastes: These can scratch the surface of your mouth guard, creating rough spots where bacteria can easily accumulate and making it harder to clean.
- Hot Water: Hot or boiling water can permanently warp the plastic, rendering your mouth guard unusable.
- Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, strong household cleaners, or alcohol-based solutions can damage the material and may leave toxic residues.
- Dishwasher: The high temperatures in a dishwasher will likely melt or warp your mouth guard.
Proper Storage
After cleaning, allow your mouth guard to air dry completely before storing it in a clean, ventilated case. This prevents moisture buildup, which can encourage bacterial growth and odor. Avoid sealing a damp mouth guard in an airtight container.
Cleaning Do's and Don'ts
Here's a quick summary for easy reference:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Rinse immediately after every use | Use hard brushes or abrasive toothpaste |
| Use a soft bristle toothbrush | Use hot water |
| Use nonabrasive toothpaste | Use bleach or harsh chemicals |
| Keep a separate toothbrush for mouth guard | Place in the dishwasher |
| Air dry completely before storing | Store in an airtight container while damp |
| Use a ventilated storage case |
By following these simple cleaning and storage practices, your sports mouth guard will remain hygienic, comfortable, and effective in protecting your teeth.
