How to Clean your Mouth Guard
Mouth guards are commonly used to prevent grinding your teeth at night, or to protect your teeth during sports. Custom devices made by your dentist can be expensive and it's important to keep them clean. Using the following steps, you can protect your investment and your teeth!
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- toothbrush
- mild toothpaste
- denture cleaning tablets
- UV sanitizer
- friendly dentist
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1
When you first get your mouth guard, read any manufacturer instructions or review proper care of the device with your dentist. Follow these instructions to properly care for the device. If you do not have information on cleaning, try the following steps.
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2
After each use, gently brush the guard with a toothbrush and mild toothpaste. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid very hot water, as some devices may change shape with hot temperature. Dry the device completely and store.
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3
Buildup is common on regularly used devices, despite cleaning with a toothbrush after each use. Try a denture cleaning tablet to freshen up your mouth guard, following the instructions on the package. Rinse and dry after soaking.
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4
For extra cleaning, consider purchasing a UV light sanitizer. VIOlight makes an excellent product specific for dental devices. After sanitizing (which only takes about 5 minutes), make sure to dry your device and clean the sanitizing cup as directed by the manufacturer.
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5
Bring your mouth guard to your regular dental cleaning appointments. Your dentist should have a powerful cleaning machine that can do a periodic thorough cleaning job.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not use bleach to clean your mouth guard! The smell and taste may be absorbed and difficult to remove.
Some people have success soaking their device in a mouth wash when not in use. However, some manufacturers recommend not doing this, especially with mouth washes containing alcohol, stating it might damage the device's material. Diluting the wash with water may be an option, but use at your own discretion.
Make sure to keep your storage case clean and dry also.
