A night guard worn every night easily picks up bacteria if it is not cleaned properly. Good cleaning helps it last longer and keeps the mouth clean.
- Rinse a night guard in cool water and brush it gently after each use.
- Avoid hot water, sunlight and toothpaste with strong abrasive grains.
- Let it dry and store it in a case with air holes.
- A cracked, thin, warped or loose guard needs to be checked by the dentist.
A night guard is worn in the mouth for many hours each night, so its surface is always covered in saliva and bacteria. If it is not cleaned properly, it can turn yellow, develop an odour and become a place where bacteria grow and pass back to the teeth and gums. See also what a night guard is.
Daily cleaning
- After taking it out in the morning, rinse it under cool running water.
- Brush it gently with a soft brush, using mild soap or a cleaner made for guards.
- Avoid toothpaste with strong abrasive grains, which can scratch and cloud the guard.
- Rinse off all the soap and let it dry completely before putting it in its case.
What to avoid
- Do not soak or rinse it in hot water, because the plastic can warp and stop fitting.
- Do not leave it in sunlight or in a hot car.
- Do not share your guard with anyone else.
Storage during the day
- Keep it in a case with air holes, not in a sealed damp box.
- Keep the case somewhere cool and dry, away from pets and small children.
- Clean the case itself from time to time.
When to replace it or have it checked
A guard that is cracked, thin, perforated, warped or no longer fits closely is due for a check by the dentist. Bring it along to every regular check up. See also grinding teeth during sleep, daytime grinding and jaw clenching and sports mouthguards.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can bring your guard in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, so the dentist can check it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean a night guard?
Rinse it in cool water after each use, brush gently with a soft brush and mild soap, rinse well and let it dry before putting it in its case.
Can I rinse a night guard with hot water?
No, because the plastic can warp and stop fitting closely. Use cool water.
When should a night guard be replaced?
When it is cracked, thin, perforated, warped or no longer fits closely. Have the dentist check it.