How to Clean Night Guards

Wearing a night guard is essential for protecting your teeth from grinding (bruxism) and clenching while you sleep. However, keeping your night guard clean is just as important as wearing it. A dirty night guard can harbor bacteria, plaque, and unpleasant odors, leading to oral health problems. Regular cleaning ensures your night guard remains hygienic and effective.

Below, we’ll walk you through the proper steps to clean your night guard and answer common questions about night guard maintenance.

Steps on How to Clean Your Night Guard

1. Rinse Immediately After Use: After removing your night guard in the morning, rinse it with cool water thoroughly. This removes saliva and loose debris before they harden.
2. Brush Gently with a Soft Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your night guard. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and may cause damage over time.
3. Use a Mild Soap or Night Guard Cleaner: Instead of toothpaste, clean your night guard with a mild antibacterial soap or a specialized night guard cleaner. These solutions help remove bacteria without causing damage.
4. Soak in a Cleaning Solution (Optional): For a deeper clean, soak your night guard in warm water and a night guard cleaning solution during the day. This helps eliminate bacteria and odors.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your night guard thoroughly to remove any soap or cleaning solution residue.
6. Let It Air Dry: Place your night guard in a clean, dry area and let it air dry completely before storing it. Keeping it dry helps prevent bacterial growth.
7. Store It Properly: Store your night guard in a ventilated case to keep it safe and free from contaminants whenever it is not being used.

FAQs

What should you not use to clean your night guard?

Avoid using toothpaste, harsh chemicals, or hot water when cleaning your night guard. Toothpaste can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface, making it a breeding ground for bacteria. Harsh chemicals like bleach or hydrogen peroxide can degrade the material over time. Additionally, hot water can warp the night guard, affecting its fit.

How often should you clean your night guard?

You should clean your night guard daily to prevent bacteria buildup and odors. In addition to daily rinsing and brushing, consider soaking it in a denture cleaner at least once a week for a deep cleaning.

What happens if you don’t wash your night guard?

Failing to clean your night guard can lead to bacteria and plaque accumulation, which may cause bad breath, gum irritation, and even infections. Over time, an unclean night guard can develop odors and discoloration, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan.

Clean Your Night Guard Easily with Ola Fresh Night Guard Cleaner

Keeping your night guard fresh and bacteria-free is simple with Ola Fresh night guard cleaner. This specially formulated cleaner helps prevent buildup and odors, ensuring your night guard stays hygienic and safe to use. Try Ola Fresh today and enjoy a cleaner, healthier night guard routine. Our night guard cleaner is also perfect for cleaning mouth guards.