How Do You Clean and Care for a Night Guard?
A night guard spends hours in your mouth every night, so it picks up saliva, plaque and bacteria just like your teeth do. A few simple habits keep your custom night guard fresh, comfortable and working the way it should.
If you have questions about the guard you wear now, our Ann Arbor, MI dentists are happy to take a look.
Here's what you need to know about how to clean a night guard.
Why Night Guard Care Matters
A night guard protects your teeth from the wear that grinding and clenching cause. If you are still wondering whether you need one, these signs of nighttime grinding are a good place to start.
Once you have a guard, keeping it clean matters. says to clean it before and after each wear, because guards are prone to collecting bacteria.
Rinse and Brush It Every Morning
Rinse the guard with cool water as soon as you take it out. This washes away saliva before it has a chance to dry on the surface.
Then brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Use light pressure so you do not scratch the plastic.
Give It a Deeper Clean Regularly
The ADA's suggest cleaning it in cool, soapy water and then rinsing it well.
Let it air dry fully before you put it away. A guard that goes into its case wet stays damp all day.
Keep It Away From Heat
Heat is one of the fastest ways to ruin a night guard. Hot water and direct sunlight can warp the material.
Even a small change in shape can make the guard fit poorly. A guard that no longer fits snugly will not protect your teeth as well.
Store It in a Vented Case
Keep the guard in a sturdy case with air holes between uses. The vents let it dry out, which helps limit bacteria growth.
Store the case somewhere pets cannot reach it.
Watch for Signs of Wear
Check your guard every so often for cracks, thin spots, rough edges or changes in fit. Heavy grinders may notice wear sooner than others.
Grinding is often tied to tension, and stress and oral health are closely linked. The that a dentist can make a custom mouth guard and treat any dental damage before it gets worse.
If jaw pain comes along with your grinding, these approaches to TMJ treatment may also help. Bring your guard to your regular dental exams so we can check it alongside your teeth.
You can see everything else we offer on our dental services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to rinse a night guard with hot water?
No, stick with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can soften and warp the plastic, and even a slight change in shape can make the guard fit loosely or press on certain teeth.
The American Dental Association advises never leaving a mouthguard in hot water or in the sun. If your guard was exposed to heat and now feels different, have it checked before you keep wearing it.
Why does my night guard look cloudy or smell?
A cloudy film or an odor usually means saliva, plaque and bacteria are building up on the surface. Brushing gently every morning and letting the guard dry fully in a vented case helps keep that film from forming.
Delta Dental notes that occlusal guards are prone to bacteria, which is why daily cleaning matters. If the film will not brush off, your dentist may be able to clean it.
Should I bring my night guard to my dental exam?
Yes, bringing it along is a good habit. During an exam at Liberty Dental, we check your bite and how your teeth come together, along with any fillings or other restorations.
Seeing your guard at the same visit lets us look for wear, cracks or fit changes. We recommend exams every six months when possible, which gives your guard a regular checkup too.
What if my night guard starts to feel tight or uncomfortable?
Call your dentist rather than trying to bend or trim it yourself. A guard can need a small adjustment, and a change in fit may also mean your teeth or a restoration have shifted.
Delta Dental advises letting your dentist know about any discomfort or pain. At Liberty Dental, we take digital impressions when we create oral appliances, which helps them fit comfortably from the start.
Why does Liberty Dental make night guards from a firmer material?
Softer over-the-counter guards may actually encourage some people to clench more. That is why our dentists recommend a custom night guard made from a more durable material.
At Liberty Dental, a custom night guard fits over your upper teeth and creates a barrier so your upper and lower teeth cannot grind together while you sleep. A sturdier guard also holds up better to daily cleaning.
Protect Your Night Guard and Your Smile
A few minutes of care each day helps your night guard stay clean and protective for longer. If your guard is worn, cracked or no longer fits well, our Ann Arbor dentists can check it and talk with you about your options.
Call Liberty Dental today at (734) 994-0909 or request an appointment online.