Getting sick is the last thing you want mid season. If you don't clean your mouth guard regularly, you are at higher risk of getting ill. Since bacteria thrive best in warm, dark, moist environments, a mouth guard can quickly become the ultimate breeding ground. Learn below how to clean a mouth guard and store it properly so it stays bacteria free.
It is important to clean your mouth guard with a soft bristle tooth brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching. To achieve the best results, make sure you brush the entirety of the mouthguard and rinse all residue with warm water.
After removing your guard, you can quickly rinse your mouth guard with anti-bacterial soap to mitigate germ build-up. You can also use mouth rinse to clean your mouthguard. As long as the ingredients are non-alcohol based. The mouthwash is a great anti-bacterial agent, however, it is important to note that mouthwash can stain your guard if it is made of a light colored material.
Cleaning tablets are an easy way to quickly sanitize your guard. Most cleaners are non-alcohol based and eliminate bacteria and stains within 30 seconds. For best results, we recommend you rinse your mouth guard after soaking them in the anti-bacterial cleaner to remove any residual soap.
With prices ranging from 30 to 80 dollars, sanitizing devices are the most expensive methods for cleaning mouthguards. Depending on the model, they use ultraviolet light and ozone to cleanse, sanitize, deodorize and purify your mouth guard.
Bacteria thrive best in warm, dark, moist environments, like a mouthguard. When you're done practicing your sport, you should always clean, dry, and store your guard in a vented case made from anti-microbial material. By utilizing these habits, your guard will stay fresh for every game and prevent you from coming into contact with any bacterial born illnesses.