Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Using a mild soap
• Method 2 of 4: Using bleach
• Method 3 of 4: Using a denture cleaner
• Method 4 of 4: Caring for your mouth guard

Mouth guards are used to protect teeth in contact sports such as football, hockey or boxing. But night guards do not allow teeth to clench and grind during sleep. With frequent use, night trays and trays can become a source of unpleasant odor and become covered in calcium and plaque, which is a collection of bacteria that does more harm than good.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Using a mild soap

1. 1 Purchase a separate toothbrush to clean your mouthguard. You can even buy a special cleaning brush for this purpose, but a regular toothbrush will do. Do not brush your mouthguard with the same toothbrush you use to brush your teeth. Buy a toothbrush with stiff bristles.
2. 2 Squeeze some detergent onto the tray. It is best to use dish soap, but hand soap will do. Antibacterial soap works too.
3. 3 Pour some lukewarm water over the brush to foam up the detergent. Gently brush the mouthguard or removable retainer with a brush. Pay special attention to build-ups of dirt and deposits.
4. 4 Rinse your mouthguard under warm water. Make sure there is no soap residue on the drip tray.Feel the mouthpiece to make sure there is no soap on it. Rinse the mouthguard thoroughly so that soap residues do not irritate the oral mucosa.
5. 5 Place the mouthguard in your mouth or case. If you are not using a mouth guard or retainer, store them in the case. This will protect them from damage and keep them away from animals (which may chew them).

Method 2 of 4: Using bleach

1. 1 Make a bleach solution. Mix the bleach with water at a ratio of 1:10. Pour the solution into a small bowl or denture cleaner.
   • Do not use bleach if you are allergic to it.
   • Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands.
2. 2 Soak your night guard for 5-10 minutes. The bleach will kill bacteria and remove any plaque build-up on the tray. Pour the used solution down the sink.
3. 3 Rinse the tray out of the detergent solution. Wash off all traces of the solution. There should be no bleach on the tray, otherwise it can damage the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the gums.

Method 3 of 4: Using a denture cleaner

1. 1 Buy denture or retainer cleaning tablets. Fill your denture cleaning bowl or container with cold tap water. Add a tablet to the bowl.
2. 2 Place the night guard in the solution. Take it out after 5-10 minutes. Do not leave the mouthguard in the solution all day or night, or a strong cleanser may harm it.
3. 3 Rinse your mouthpiece thoroughly. Store the night guard in the case. Rinse the mouthguard again before use.

Method 4 of 4: Caring for your mouth guard

1. 1 Wash your mouthguard once a day. This will prevent dirt and deposits from accumulating on it, and the mouthguard will last longer. The mouthguard can be rinsed daily with mouthwash and once a week for a general cleaning.
   • You should also be careful with your oral hygiene to reduce plaque, so remember to brush your teeth twice a day.
2. 2 Store the mouthguard in the case. Night trays and trays can be spoiled by heat and pets. They can also be accidentally stepped on and twisted. To keep your mouthguards clean and looking good, they should be stored in a case.
3. 3 Be careful when brushing your mouthguard with toothpaste. Some dentists say that the mouthguard can be cleaned with toothpaste, while others say that toothpaste is too abrasive and can damage the mouthguard. Even subtle scuffs will build up over time and ruin the mouthguard.
4. 4 Clean the case regularly. Not only the mouthguard itself, but also its case can get dirty. Wash it with a mild soapy solution. It can also be washed out with a bleach-based solution by mixing the bleach with water at a ratio of 1:10. Soak the case in this solution for no more than 5-10 minutes.
5. 5 Never rinse your mouth guard or retainer with boiling water. Boiling water can deform or melt plastic. Rinse the mouthguard only with warm or cold (never hot) water.