Mouthguard Cleaning: Avoidance Areas, Storage, Touching

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basic tips on how to properly clean your mouthguard. No matter which sport you're playing or which activity you're taking part in, a mouthguard that's cleaned and sanitized regularly will not only be healthier, but also more comfortable to wear and more conducive to proper safety while active.
At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're proud to offer a wide range of custom mouthguards for numerous sports, from MMA and Muay Thai mouthguards through football, basketball, hockey and many others. In addition, we offer expertise on the proper care and maintenance of any of our mouthguards, including cleaning needs. In today's part two of our series, we'll go over a few other basic tips for this important area.

Areas to Avoid

While you have several options for cleaning your mouthguard, there are also a few methods or formats you should steer clear of. Perhaps the most common here is boiling -- while it's true that this process will help remove some germs (though not all), it is also true that this approach will reduce the lifespan of your mouthguard.
Many mouthguards are made with materials like rubber or thermoplastic, which can be easily altered by boiling water. For this reason, while boiling is often used during the fitting of a mouthguard to help it conform to the shape of your mouth, it should not be used afterwards.
It should also be noted that while some cleaning products may state they're safe for breathables like thermoplastics or rubber, you should take the manufacturer's word with a grain of salt. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and consult us directly before attempting use of a given product.

Storing Your Mouthguard

Another area to consider when cleaning your mouthguard is longer-term storage. Cleaning on a daily or weekly basis is ideal, but there are times when cleanings will be skipped -- for example if you're particularly active that day.
It's always best to rinse your mouthguard with water after each use (we recommend using sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade) before storing it overnight, either in its dedicated container or in a sealed baggie.

Touching Themes

Another concept that relates to mouthguard cleanliness: How often you touch the item, especially when your hands are dirty or greasy. When it comes to mouthguards, especially those made with thermoplastic materials like ours, you should avoid contact as much as possible with your hands. Only touch the mouthguard when you absolutely have to, and do your best to make sure your hands are free of germs while you do so.
For more on how to clean your mouthguard and store it properly, or to learn about any of our custom mouthguards, speak to the staff at Damage Control Mouthguards today.