Disinfecting a Mouthguard: Between-Use Tips

Cleanliness and sanitation is important for any items that will regularly be in or around our mouths, and mouthguards for athletes across various sports are a great example. How can any athlete go about disinfecting and properly maintaining cleanliness for their mouthguard at all times? 

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're here to offer a huge range of high-quality custom mouthguards across various sports, including football mouthguards, MMA mouthguards and more. In this two-part blog series, we'll go over some important tips on disinfecting any mouthguard - today's part one will focus on post-use cleaning and some of the methods available here, while part two will dig into long-term deep cleaning and some important basics on mouthguard storage. 

Post-Use Mouthguard Rinsing

One of the simplest but most important steps you can take to maintain your mouthguard is cleaning it after each use. This helps remove any bacteria or germs that have accumulated during use, and will also help prevent the build-up of plaque or other grime on the surface over time.

To clean a mouthguard, start by giving it a gentle rinse under running water to remove any loose debris or particles. This will make the following steps easier and more effective. From here, there are a few different methods you can use depending on your preferences or the specific type of mouthguard you have - check out our next section for more.

Cleaning Between Uses

There are a few different options available for cleaning between uses, and which you choose will likely depend on the specific type of mouthguard you have. Some common methods include:

• Toothbrush (and sometimes toothpaste): For many basic mouthguards, a simple toothbrush can be used to brush away any remaining grime or bacteria. Sometimes, using a small amount of toothpaste will help with this process and give you an even cleaner result.

• Mouthwash: Another simple option is to use regular mouthwash - simply swish it around inside your mouthguard for 30 seconds or so before rinsing it out. This will kill many of the germs and bacteria present in your mouthguard.

• Baking soda: Alternatively, a simple paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to the mouthguard for 5-10 minutes before gently brushing it off with a toothbrush. This is an effective method for removing any stubborn stains or buildup on the surface of the mouthguard.

• Soap and water: In other cases, a simple mixture of soap and water can be used to clean the mouthguard. This is especially useful for mouthguards with straps or other attachments that require more thorough cleaning.

In part two of our series, we'll go over more advanced cleaning methods and tips for long-term maintenance. For now, remember to always rinse your mouthguard after each use and use one of the above cleaning methods regularly to keep it in top condition. 

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're dedicated to providing athletes across a range of sports with high-quality, custom mouthguards that offer the best in comfort, protection and hygiene. Stay tuned for part two of this series and contact us today with any questions about our products or services.