What Is The Best To Clean A Mouthguard?

If you own a mouthguard, you probably use it to protect your teeth from breakage or fractures while playing sports, such as soccer or hockey. However, keeping your mouthguard clean and bacteria-free is important to avoid damaging your teeth. The best part about a mouthguard is that it is low-maintenance. It is very easy to clean, even for little kids of 10 years old.

As with any other dental hygiene tool, knowing how to clean your mouthguard is important. Your mouthguard can accumulate various bacteria and germs throughout the day. It is recommended to add the cleaning of your mouthguard to your oral hygiene routine. If your mouthguard has worn out, visit a family dental care in Orange Park to get it replaced.

Steps to clean your mouthguard the best way

Rinse your mouthguard under tap water after every use.
Gently brush your mouthguard like you would brush your natural teeth.
Do not use toothpaste, as it may be too abrasive for your mouthguard.
After cleaning, let your mouthguard air dry completely before storing it.
Once the mouthguard is dry, store it in a cool and dry, enclosed place.

Why is it important to clean your mouthguard every day?

It is important to clean your mouthguard daily, even when you do not use it because of bacterial growth. When you wear your mouthguard, the bacteria and germs on your teeth and gums transfer to your mouthguard and can cause further growth if not cleaned.

Moreover, mouthguards are made with porous materials, which makes it the perfect place for bacteria to hide and grow. It is the same as re-using an unclean spoon or plate without washing it first. The only difference here is that the bacteria is not visible to the naked eye.

Wearing unclean mouthguards may increase your risk of gum infection and tooth decay.

When should you replace your mouthguard?

Just like you need to replace your toothbrush every couple of months, you need to do the same with your mouthguards. Mouthguards can get damaged or wear out with use. This may cause them to get out of shape and become loose. Loose and worn-out mouthguards do not work effectively and may not be able to protect your teeth in case of an accident.

It is recommended to replace your mouthguard every game season or at least every 6 to 12 months. The constant biting also impacts your mouthguard and ruins its shape. The best way to know if you need a replacement is if the mouthguard starts feeling different in your mouth.