Did you know there are more than 700 different species of bacteria that call your mouth home?
While not all of these bacteria are inherently harmful, some of them can be. Those potentially harmful bacteria are responsible for a variety of gum diseases, bad breath, and other mouth issues.
Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments like your mouthguard. This is why it’s essential you know the proper way of how to disinfect a mouthguard. Continue reading to learn the appropriate methods of disinfection today.
Always Rinse Directly After Wearing
Every time you wear a mouthguard, it’s essential to rinse it immediately after pulling it from your mouth. Use warm water, if possible. You can even use a water bottle if nothing else is available.
After rinsing, set your mouthguard on a clean surface and allow it to air-dry completely. If there are no other options, you can store the mouth guard in its container briefly until you get home. When you get back, you’ll want to wash it thoroughly if it’s been stored damp.
Nightly Cleaning With Toothpaste or Soap
There are two options for the nightly cleaning of your guard. Add one of them to your nightly tooth-cleaning routine.
Using a gentle toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the entirety of the mouthpiece. Rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry.
You can also use anti-bacterial soap and warm water. Go over the entire surface of the mouthpiece before rinsing well. Allow it to air dry on a clean surface.
Weekly Deeply Cleaning
Once a week, you should be doing a more in-depth cleaning to avoid the buildup of any germs and bacteria that aren’t killed during your nightly cleaning routine. There are several different options on how to disinfect a mouth guard once weekly.
- Use a special mouth guard cleaner that isn’t alcohol-based
- Soak in a three percent hydrogen peroxide solution for ten minutes
- Soak in distilled white vinegar for thirty minutes
- Use a cap of mouthwash and finish submerging mouth guard in water
After each of these weekly deep cleaning methods, you should thoroughly rinse your mouth guard. Allow it to air-dry overnight before wearing it again. It’s best to schedule your weekly deep cleaning during a time where you aren’t busy.
Don’t Do These Things
To keep your mouthguard in the best possible condition, there are some things you should avoid when cleaning it.
- Don’t soak your mouthguard for longer than an hour and certainly not overnight
- Don’t use alcohol-based cleaners that can break down your mouthguard
- Never use hand sanitizer to disinfect your mouthguard
- Avoid dish soap and denture tablets when cleaning your mouthguard
- Don’t put your mouthguard away wet
Do You Have More Questions About How to Disinfect a Mouth Guard?
Frequent rinsing and gentle nightly cleaning are essential for keeping your mouthguard clean. A deeper clean once a week will help further disinfect your mouthguard so you can protect your teeth and gums from harmful bacteria.
Do you have more questions about how to disinfect a mouthguard?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have.
