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Keeping Your Mouthguard Clean
July 10, 2025 2 min read
What the Research Reveals
A 2025 comparative study in PLOS ONE surveyed 394 athletes—both combat sports and team sports participants—on how they use, clean, and store their mouth guards.[1]
Usage gap: Every combat athlete (100%) reported consistently wearing a mouthguard, compared to just 29.5% of team sports athletes.
Cleaning habits differ: Combat athletes were far more likely to follow recommended cleaning routines than their team-sport counterparts.
Storage matters: Proper storage (drying and ventilated cases) was significantly more common among combat athletes.
Common complaints: Many athletes cited discomfort speaking or breathing with mouth guards, though combat athletes reported fewer issues.
Key Takeaway
The study underscores a serious issue: many athletes neglect mouthguard hygiene and storage, putting themselves at risk of bacterial buildup, bad odors, oral infections, and reduced protective performance.
Why Cleansing with Foam Soap Matters
1. Efficient biofilm removal
A consistent cleaning routine dissolves bits of saliva, food debris, and bacterial film—elements that thrive in the moist environment of mouth guards.
2. Stops germs before they multiply
Even mild foam cleansers significantly lower bacterial count, helping prevent oral diseases like gum inflammation.
3. Caring for the fit and feel
Foam soaps are gentle enough to clean thoroughly without damaging the mouthguard’s material or affecting its comfort and fit.
Introducing Our Hygiene Bundle
Level up your mouthguard care with our Hygiene Bundle:
Cooling mint-scented Foam Soap: specially formulated for daily cleansing.
Mouthguard Cleaning Brush: reaches grooves and ridges that normal toothbrushes cannot reach.
Pairing these essentials with foundational research-backed practices makes oral protection easy, effective, and hygienic.
This simple, research-supported regimen supports healthier mouthguard use and encourages better habits for both combat and team athletes.
Final Takeaway
The PLOS ONE study highlights substantial gaps in mouthguard hygiene—especially among team sports athletes. Combat athletes set the bar with regular cleaning and proper storage. By integrating gentle foam cleansing and ventilated drying—especially using our Hygiene Bundle—you can eliminate most bacterial buildup, prevent oral health issues, and make mouthguard hygiene a seamless part of your performance routine.
At Damage stay protected, stay fresh, and give your mouthguard the care it deserves.