How to Clean a Mouth Guard and Remove Stains

You probably wouldn’t wear the same pair of socks for a week without washing them. Yet, many people skip cleaning their mouthguard, night guard, or retainer. Unfortunately, these dental devices are magnets for bacteria, plaque, and bad odors.

If your mouthguard tastes funky or looks cloudy, it is time for a refresh. We will walk you through the best cleaning methods using simple household items and store-bought solutions. We will also cover how to deep clean that grime away so you can sleep soundly and safely.

Here is how to keep your dental guard hygienic and fresh.

How Often to Clean Night Guard

You need to clean your night guard, mouthguard, or bite guard after every single use.

Make this a non-negotiable part of your morning routine. Since the device sits in your mouth all night, it collects food particles and plaque. If left unwashed, your guard becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, yeast, and mold ⁽¹⁾.

If you use a sports guard, rinse and clean it immediately after the game. You do not want dried saliva sitting in the case.

How to Clean a Mouthguard Daily

Finding a routine that fits your lifestyle is key. Here are three easy methods using products you likely already have.

With Non-Abrasive Toothpaste

Note: Be very careful with this method. Most standard toothpastes are too abrasive and scratch the plastic, creating hiding spots for bacteria. Only use non-abrasive toothpaste.

• Time: 2 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Non-abrasive toothpaste (gel formulas are usually best)

1. Rinse: Run the mouthguard under cool water to remove loose debris.
2. Apply toothpaste: Apply a small amount of non-abrasive paste to a dedicated toothbrush. Do not use your regular toothbrush for this.
3. Brush gently: Lightly brush the inside and outside. Focus on the crevices where teeth sit.
4. Rinse and dry: Rinse thoroughly with cool water and let it air dry completely on a clean towel.

With Soap and Water

This is often the safest and most effective daily method for preventing scratches.

• Time: 3 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• Mild, alcohol-free dish soap or castile soap
• Soft-bristled toothbrush

1. Rinse: Hold the guard under cool running water.
2. Apply soap: Add a drop of mild soap directly to the guard or your brush.
3. Scrub: Gently scrub the device to create suds. Ensure you clean both the inner channel and outer walls.
4. Rinse: Rinse away all soap suds with cool water.
5. Dry: Place it on a clean surface to air dry.

With Mouthwash

• Time: 35 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• Alcohol-free mouthwash (Alcohol dries out and damages plastic)
• Water
• Glass or bowl

1. Rinse: Rinse the device with cool water.
2. Mix solution: Fill a glass with enough water to cover the guard. Add a capful of alcohol-free mouthwash.
3. Soak: Let the mouthguard sit in the solution for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse: Remove and rinse thoroughly with cool water.
5. Dry: Let it air dry completely before storing.

This is a fantastic option for silicone sports guards after a game.

How to Clean a Night Guard Naturally

If you prefer to avoid commercial soaps or chemicals, your pantry holds the answer. These natural methods effectively sanitize without harsh ingredients.

With Hydrogen Peroxide

• Time: 35 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• 3% Hydrogen peroxide
• Water
• Glass

1. Rinse: Remove debris with cool water.
2. Dilute: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a glass.
3. Soak: Submerge the guard for 30 minutes. You may see bubbling, which means it is working.
4. Rinse well: Rinse thoroughly with water.
5. Dry: Allow to air dry.

With Vinegar

Vinegar is acidic and excellent for breaking down hard calcium deposits.

• Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• Distilled white vinegar
• Water
• Glass
• Soft-bristled toothbrush

1. Rinse: Rinse the guard in cool water.
2. Mix: Combine one part distilled white vinegar with three parts water in a glass.
3. Soak: Leave the guard in the mixture for 15 minutes.
4. Scrub: Gently scrub away loosened residue with your toothbrush.
5. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly to remove the vinegar taste.
6. Dry: Air dry completely.

With Baking Soda and Vinegar

This combo creates a fizzing action that helps lift stubborn grime and deodorizes the plastic.

• Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Water
• Glass
• Soft-bristled toothbrush

1. Rinse: Rinse the guard first.
2. The Solution: Mix one part vinegar and three parts water. Add one tablespoon of baking soda. It will fizz.
3. Soak: Let the guard sit in the bubbling mix for 15 minutes.
4. Scrub: Use the toothbrush to gently clean the surface. Baking soda is mildy abrasive, so do not scrub too hard.
5. Rinse: Rinse very well with cool water.
6. Dry: Air dry.

How to Deep Clean a Mouthguard

Daily cleaning removes surface bacteria, but you need a deep clean once a week or at least once a month. This removes stubborn plaque (white spots) and deep-set odors. You should also do this immediately after recovering from an illness.

Here is how to deep clean using denture tablets. Do not forget to clean your storage case, as that is often the dirtiest part of the equation.

• Time: 25 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• Denture cleaning tablets or retainer cleaner (like Retainer Brite)
• Glass of warm water
• Dish soap
• Clean cloth or sponge

1. Rinse the Mouthguard

Give the guard a pre-rinse with cool water to knock off saliva and loose plaque.

2. Dissolve the Tablet

Fill a glass with warm (not hot) water. Drop in one cleaning tablet. Let it fizz and dissolve according to the package instructions.

3. Soak

Submerge your mouthguard in the solution. Check the brand’s recommended time, usually between 5 and 30 minutes. Do not leave it in all day.

4. Clean the Case

While the guard soaks, clean the case. Fill a sink with warm soapy water. Scrub the case inside and out with a sponge to remove mold spores and bacteria. Rinse it and dry it thoroughly with a dish towel.

5. Rinse the Guard

Remove the guard from the glass and rinse it thoroughly under cool running water. You want to ensure all chemical residue is gone.

6. Air Dry

Place the clean guard on a towel to air dry completely before putting it back in the case.

Tips For Cleaning Night Guard Discoloration

Yellowing happens. Over time, mouthguards absorb bacterial byproducts and stains. Here is how to handle it.

First, consistency is key. Daily brushing and weekly deep cleaning with denture tablets prevent stains from setting in.

If stains are already present, try the vinegar soak method mentioned above. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down the bonds of the stain. You can repeat this weekly to slowly lift discoloration.

However, keep your expectations realistic. If your guard is old and deeply yellowed, no amount of scrubbing will make it clear again. That is usually a sign the material has degraded and needs replacement.

How to Store a Mouthguard

Never throw a wet mouthguard into a closed case. Bacteria love dark, damp environments. Always let your guard air dry completely before storing it.

We strongly recommend a vented case. The holes allow air circulation, preventing mold and mildew growth.

If you need a replacement, the Mrs. Odonto retainer case is a solid choice because of its ventilated design.

When to Replace a Night Guard

Nothing lasts forever. Generally, you should replace your night guard every 1 to 5 years. This range depends on how heavily you grind your teeth and how well you maintain the device.

Watch for these warning signs that it is time to toss it:

• Cracks or Tears: If you see deep cracks, replace it immediately. Bacteria hide in these fissures, and the weakened structure won’t protect your teeth effectively.
• Poor Fit: If the guard feels loose, falls out at night, or feels uncomfortably tight, your teeth may have shifted or the plastic has warped.
• Persistent Smell or Stain: If you have deep cleaned the guard and it still smells bad or looks moldy, the plastic is porous and contaminated. It is safer to buy a new one.

FAQs

Why is My Night Guard Turning Yellow?

Yellowing is usually caused by stains from saliva, bacteria buildup, and age. If you do not clean the guard immediately after removing it, these fluids dry into the porous plastic. Regular deep cleaning helps, but eventual yellowing is a sign of material aging.

Can I Boil My Night Guard to Sanitize It?

No, never boil your night guard. While boiling water sterilizes metal, it melts and warps the plastic of your mouthguard. This destroys the custom fit, rendering the device useless. Stick to lukewarm or cool water only.

Can I Use Bleach on My Mouthguard?

We do not recommend using standard household bleach. It is harsh on the plastic and dangerous if ingested if not rinsed perfectly. It is safer to use hydrogen peroxide or dedicated dental cleaning tablets.

How Do I Remove White Calcium Deposits?

Those hard white spots are calcified plaque, similar to tartar on your teeth. The best way to remove them is by soaking the guard in distilled white vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes. The acid dissolves the mineral buildup, allowing you to scrub it away with a toothbrush.

Why Does My Mouthguard Have White Slime on It?

White slime is a buildup of plaque, bacteria, and saliva proteins. It accumulates when you do not brush the guard daily. To fix this, scrub the guard thoroughly with dish soap and a soft toothbrush, then perform a deep clean with a denture tablet.