Mouthguards help to keep your teeth and gums safe, especially if you play sports or have any dental issues like sleep apnea or grinding while sleeping. But did you know they get dirty and smelly if you use them for a long time without regularly cleaning them? That’s why it is most important to know how to clean your mouthguard naturally.
If you are too looking for a solution by which you can clean your nightguards naturally at home, then you are at the right place. In this guide, we will discuss how to clean mouthguards and share some tips on doing it right from home.
So what are you waiting for? Continue to read the easy guide to keep your mouthguard clean, fresh, and your teeth safe from harm.
Why Cleaning Your Mouthguard is Important?
A mouthguard works like a shield that helps you protect your teeth from getting hurt and also keeps germs away. Your mouthguard also needs to be cleaned, just like you have to wash your helmet and sports gear after using it.
Here’s why:
- Germs and Bacteria: There are a lot of germs and bacteria in your mouth, and mouthguards can collect them. It can cause problems like bad breath, infections, and other dental problems if it is not cleaned.
- Mouthguard Cleanliness: If you can not clean your mouthguard before using it, then it can cause gum disease and cavities, so cleaning it is very important to keep your mouth healthy.
- Comfort and Safety: Using a clean mouthguard feels better to wear and won’t irritate your mouth. It also helps stop germs from spreading.
Common Mouthguard Cleaning Mistakes
It is very important to clean your mouthguard, but most people make mistakes that can make it dirty and smelly. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid while using a mouthguard:
- Not cleaning it every day: You have to clean your mouthgaurd after every use and especially when you are sweating or playing sports.
- Using hot water: Always use warm water because hot water can mess up your mouthguard.
- Using strong chemicals: Never use things like bleach or alcohol, as they can ruin your mouthguard.
- Not rinsing well: Always ensure to rinse off all the soap or cleaner from your mouthguard after cleaning.
- Storing it wet: Let your mouthguard air dry completely before using; otherwise, if you put it in a wet case, it can get moldy.
How to Clean Mouth Guard Naturally at Home?
There are a lot of ways to clean your mouthguard. Here are some most common ways:
Brushing and Rinsing
Brushing and rinsing your mouthguard every day is the easiest and most important way to clean it. Scrub it with a soft toothbrush and some toothpaste after using it. Always ensure to rinse off all the toothpaste from your mouthguard after cleaning. Through this, you can also get rid of any food bits, bacteria, or dirt stuck on it.
Using Mouthwash
A mouthguard helps to kill germs and helps keep your breath fresh, so it is the best thing to add to your cleaning routine. To give your mouthguard extra protection and make it feel super clean, splash it in some mouthwash for about 30 seconds after brushing your mouthguard.
Soaking in a Cleaning Solution
Soaking your mouthguard in a cleaning solution is the best way to clean it. You can make a cleaner for your mouthguard at home or buy a special one. First, fill the container with solution, then completely soak your mouthguard in it. After that, let it in the solution for the recommended time, then rinse it well with warm water. This process will help you to get rid of tough strains.
Using Vinegar
If you want to use natural cleaner, then vinegar is one of the best natural cleaners. It works to disinfect your mouthguard. Mix water and vinegar both in equal amounts and soak your mouthguard in it for about 30 minutes, and then make sure to rinse it really well with water before you use it again.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is also a good cleaner for your mouthguard. You simply have to make a paste by using water and baking soda and then use it with a soft toothbrush to scrub your mouthguard. That will help you to remove tough strains, and last, make sure to rinse it well with warm water.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Using hydrogen peroxide to clean your mouthguard is also good. Because it is a strong cleaner that kills germs. But while using it, you have to be careful to dilute it properly. So mix one part hydrogen peroxide with ten parts water, then soak your mouthguard for about 10-15 minutes. This will kill harmful germs and viruses from your mouthguard. Always ensure to rinse it properly after cleaning your mouthgaurd.
How to Remove Stains From a Mouthguard?
|
Cleaning Method |
Ingredients |
Instructions |
|
Baking Soda Paste |
Baking soda, water |
Create a paste and gently scrub stained areas. Rinse thoroughly. |
|
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution |
Hydrogen peroxide, water |
Mix equal parts, soak mouthguard for 10-15 minutes. Rinse well. |
|
Commercial Mouthguard Cleaner |
Follow product instructions |
Soak mouthguard as directed. Rinse thoroughly. |
|
Vinegar Rinse |
Vinegar, water |
Mix equal parts, soak mouthguard for 30 minutes. Rinse well. |
FAQs
What is the best way to clean a mouthguard?
The easiest and best way to clean your mouthguard is to after every use clean it with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also clean it by soaking it in a cleaning solution such as a mouthguard cleaner or by mixing water with vinegar or baking soda.
How often should you wash a mouthguard?
You have to clean your mouthgaurd after every use, especially when you are sweating or playing sports.
Can I soak my mouthguard in mouthwash?
Yes, you can soak your mouthguard with mouthwash. Simply, you just ensure to rinse it really well with warm water.
Conclusion
Cleaning your mouthguard is very important to keep good health of your teeth because the mouthguard kills harmful bacteria and viruses from spreading. You just have to follow the important steps to keep your mouthguard clean. Always remember to clean it after every use with a cleaning solution or natural disinfectant if needed. After following these steps, you will protect your teeth.