Disinfecting a Mouthguard: Long-Term Tips

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some basic tips on how to disinfect and keep your mouthguard clean between uses for any sport or activity you're involved in that requires such an item. From basic rinsing to some very simple cleaning methods that can be applied within minutes or even seconds in many cases, there are a variety of straightforward ways to keep your mouthguard clean and sanitary for all its necessary uses.

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're here to offer a wide range of custom mouthguard options for a huge range of activities, including MMA mouthguards, football mouthguards and numerous others. Today's part two of our series will change gears from short-term mouthguard cleaning to long-term areas such as deep cleaning, storage and more.

Periodic Deep Cleaning

Every so often, at least once a month if you play or participate in activities regularly, it's important to do a deeper clean of your mouthguard. This isn't always necessary after every use, but rather at intervals where accumulated bacteria and other contaminants can be removed more thoroughly.

To do this, soak your mouthguard in some basic antibacterial soap and water solution – mild hand or dish soaps are perfect here. After letting it soak for about 10 minutes, scrub all areas of the mouthguard with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse it completely and let it air dry.

If this doesn't do the trick, you may consider a similar process, but with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide as the main cleaning agents. In addition, you could also use a denture cleaner to deep clean your mouthguard.

Mouthguard Case

When it comes to proper storage of your mouthguard, you'll want to avoid simply tossing it in a gym bag or on the counter. The same bacteria that can be introduced while using the mouthguard can also come into contact with other surfaces, potentially contaminating them as well.

Instead, invest in a proper mouthguard case – these are typically affordable and can often be found at sporting goods stores or online. They'll protect your mouthguard from external contaminants and offer a convenient, safe place to store it when not in use.

Replacement Frequency

Finally, while we specialize in long-lasting custom mouthguards here at Damage Control Mouthguards, there does come a time where replacement is necessary for safety or sanitary purposes. In general, you should replace your mouthguard once per season or every six months, but any time you notice significant wear and tear or damage to the mouthguard, it should be immediately replaced.

For more on how to properly care for a mouthguard over the long term, or to learn about any of our custom mouthguard options, speak to the staff at Damage Control Mouthguards today. We'll be happy to assist you further.