Daily cleaning
Rinse your mouthguard with cool water immediately after every use. Then brush it gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush, no toothpaste, which is too abrasive. A drop of mild dish soap or non-alcoholic mouthwash works well as a cleanser. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
Never use hot water, hot drinks, or boiling water, heat warps the material and can permanently change the fit.
Weekly deep clean
Once a week, give your mouthguard a deeper cleaning. Soak it for 15–30 minutes in either a denture-cleaning tablet solution (Polident, Efferdent), a hydrogen peroxide and water solution (50/50), or a mouthguard-specific cleaner. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Avoid soaking longer than the package directs, extended soaking can break down the material.
Storage
Proper storage prevents damage and bacteria:
- Store in the ventilated case the dentist provided
- Always store dry, moisture promotes bacterial growth
- Keep away from heat (sun, dashboard, water heater room)
- Keep pets away, dogs find mouthguards irresistible
- Don't wrap in tissues, they stick and tear
What to watch for
Inspect your guard every couple of weeks. Look for: thinning spots, small tears or perforations, an odor that won't go away with cleaning, or a fit that's noticeably looser than it used to be. Any of these mean it's time to bring it in for evaluation or replacement.
When to replace it
Sports guards: replace at the start of each season, or sooner if there's any damage. Nightguards: replace every 3–5 years on average, sooner if you grind heavily. At your six-month cleaning, bring the guard with you, we'll inspect it and let you know if it's still doing its job.
How long should each type of mouthguard last
Mouthguard lifespan varies dramatically based on type and use:
Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards: 6 months at most before the fit degrades. Custom sports mouthguards for adults: 2-3 years with regular use. Sports mouthguards for kids and teens: 12-18 months because of arch growth, faster if they're hard on it. Custom nightguards for grinding: 3-5 years for adults; we polish and inspect each year at your cleaning. Replace any guard immediately if you notice cracks, thinning, tears, or a loose fit. A guard that doesn't fit properly can shift teeth or worsen jaw strain, defeating its whole purpose. We're happy to inspect any existing guard during your next visit at no charge.
Questions about your specific case?
Every patient's mouth is different. The article above covers the general principles, for a personalized recommendation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sidhu.