How to Clean Your Night Guard (and What to Avoid)

A clean night guard stays comfortable, smells fresh and lasts longer. The routine takes about a minute.

Every morning

• Rinse it in cool water as soon as you take it out.

• Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush kept only for the guard, using mild unscented soap or the cleaner your dentist recommends.

• Skip toothpaste: it is abrasive and scratches the surface.

• Let it air-dry, then store it in a ventilated case.

Once a week

Soak it in a denture or retainer cleaning tablet, following the pack instructions, if your dentist says it suits your guard's material.

What to avoid

• Hot or boiling water, which can warp the guard.

• The dishwasher, a hot car or direct sun.

• Long soaks in mouthwash that contains alcohol.

• Leaving it where pets can reach it.

Bring it to your check-ups

Your dentist can check the fit and the wear pattern. Replace the guard if it cracks, wears through or feels loose.

Read more

A full night guard care guide is in my book, The Bruxism Solution, now on Amazon Kindle.

General information for patients. It does not replace an examination.