How to Clean a Bite Guard

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw in your sleep, you probably use a bite guard. Following a regular cleaning regimen will keep your bite guard in good repair and prevent harmful bacteria from growing on it. For daily cleanings, you can brush the bite guard with baking soda and/or clean it with soap and water. Once a week, you should deep clean a completely plastic bite guard with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. If it contains metal, deep clean with a denture or retainer cleaner.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using Soap and Water

PDF download Download Article
  1. Do this immediately after taking the guard out of your mouth. Turn on the tap and let the water run until it feels lukewarm. Run the bite guard under the water to loosen debris and plaque. [1]
  2. This can be hand soap or dish soap. Work the soap across the surface and in the hollow areas. If you don't have liquid soap, work bar soap into a lather. Smear the suds across the surface. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. Make sure the toothbrush has soft or ultra-soft bristles. Apply light pressure to avoid damaging the bite guard. Move in horizontal and vertical strokes. Clean both the outside surface and the hollow surface that touches your teeth. Rinse the bite guard with lukewarm water when you're finished. [3]
  4. Lay a clean towel on a flat surface. Place the bite guard hollow side-down on the towel. Let it air dry completely. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. [4]
  5. Do this once the bite guard is completely dry. Even the slightest dampness can cause fungus or bacteria to grow. After you replace the bite guard, make sure the case snaps closed. Leaving it out can expose it to ambient humidity, which can degrade the material. [5]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Cleaning with Baking Soda Paste

PDF download Download Article
  1. This step helps to loosen plaque and other oral debris. Do this immediately after taking the guard out of your mouth. Turn on the tap and let the water run until it feels lukewarm. Run the bite guard under the water. [6]
    • You can skip this step if you're using this method after a soap-and-water cleansing.
  2. Make a baking soda paste . Baking soda is the least abrasive anti-bacterial substance you can use for oral hygiene. Mix baking soda with water. Use 2/3 cups (185 g) for a long-term supply or a teaspoon (4.93 g) for a one-time test. Add water drop by drop and mix thoroughly until the baking soda becomes a paste.
    • It's best to avoid toothpaste for this method. Even toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth can cause abrasions on flexible plastic. Abrasions provide hiding places for bacteria that can lead to oral infections. [7]
  3. Use only a brush with soft or ultra soft bristles. More abrasive bristles can wear down the plastic of the bite guard. You can use your regular toothbrush for this method, whether it's manual, electric, or battery-powered.
  4. Use the same horizontal and/or vertical strokes you normally use to brush your teeth. Just apply less pressure. Brush the inside and outside of the bite guard. Make sure you clean the entire surface to kill harmful bacteria. Rinse the guard with warm water when you're finished brushing.
  5. When the baking soda is completely rinsed off, lay the bite guard on a clean towel. Make sure the towel is on a flat surface to reduce the risk of the guard falling on the floor. Allow it to air dry for 15-30 minutes. Make sure it's completely dry before putting it back in its protective case. [8]
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Deep Cleaning with Vinegar and Peroxide

PDF download Download Article
  1. Any container wide enough to fit your bite guard will do. This can be an old hummus container, large coffee mug, or wide drinking glass. Make sure you can easily place your bite guard on the bottom of the container without forcing it in.
    • Avoid a metal container. The acid in the vinegar could corrode the container and leave deposits on your bite guard.
  2. Pour enough white distilled vinegar into the container to cover the bite guard. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes. Set a timer, if necessary. When the 30 minutes is up, rinse the bite guard and the container with lukewarm water. [9]
  3. Hydrogen peroxide will bleach discolorations out of the bite guard while neutralizing the vinegar taste. Use enough peroxide to submerge the bite guard. Let it soak for 30 minutes, setting a timer if you need to. When time is up, rinse the bite guard and the container with lukewarm water.
    • Don't keep the bite guard in any liquid longer than an hour. Extended soaks can damage the material. [10]
  4. Lay a clean towel on a flat surface. Then, place the bite guard on the towel. Lay it hollow side-down to allow the water to drain from the surface properly. This should take 15 to 30 minutes. Put the bite guard back in its case when it's completely dry. [11]
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Deep Cleaning with Cleaning Tablets

PDF download Download Article
  1. These cleaners usually come in the form of cleaning tablets that dissolve in water. You can buy them over the counter in any drug store or big box store. If money is tight, opt for the denture cleaner.
  2. This can be any drinking glass, mug, or clean container. Use only plastic or glass vessels for this step. Make sure the container is wide enough to fit the bite guard without forcing it in.
  3. Drop the bite guard into the container. Use enough water to cover the bite guard completely. You can use lukewarm tap water or bottled water at room temperature.
  4. Follow the directions on the package. In many cases, you can get a decent cleaning with one tablet. Allow the tablet to dissolve completely. [17]
  5. Let it stay in the water/cleaner mixture for about 30 minutes or the recommended time on the package. Set a timer if you need to keep track. Don't let the bite guard soak for more than an hour. Rinse the guard with lukewarm water when the soak is finished. [13]
  6. Lay a clean towel on a flat surface. When the cleaner is completely rinsed off, place the bite guard hollow side-down on the towel. Allow it to air dry for 15-30 minutes. Put the guard back in its case. [14]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Soft or ultra soft toothbrush (manual, electric, or battery-operated)
      • Baking soda
      • Soap and water
      • White distilled vinegar (for all plastic bite guards)
      • Hydrogen peroxide (for all plastic bite guards)
      • Denture cleaner (for bite guards containing metal)

      Tips

      • If you want, you can use the soap and baking soda methods in the same day. To avoid getting a soapy taste in your mouth, use the soap method first.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Don't wash your bite guard in a dishwasher. Even if you use cool water, the pressure of the jets and abrasiveness of the detergent can ruin the bite guard. [15]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Clean Dentures
      How to
      Sanitize a Toothbrush
      How to
      Put on a Retainer
      How to
      Gargle
      How to
      Use Floss on Your Teeth
      How to
      Use a Waterpik Water Flosser
      How to
      Use Miswak
      How to
      Make Magic Mouthwash
      How to
      Use a Tongue Scraper
      How to
      Remove Tartar
      How to
      Clean Your Tongue Properly
      The Best Ways to Clean a Waterpik Water Flosser
      How to
      Make Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash
      How to
      Put Invisalign Back in if You Haven't Worn Them for a Long Time
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dental care, check out our in-depth interview with Alina Lane, DDS .

      References

      1. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8nI5UOhIEQ
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8nI5UOhIEQ
      4. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      5. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      6. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      7. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      8. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      9. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      1. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      2. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      3. ↑ www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ARxoMx2JEY
      4. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      5. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/
      6. ↑ https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 57,182 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement