Okay, so you’ve got a night guard. Maybe your dentist gave you one ‘cause you grind your teeth in your sleep, or you just clench like crazy without even knowing it. Either way, good call — they really help.
But now you’re thinking… “Wait, am I supposed to clean this thing? Like, every day?”
Yup. You are. And it’s not hard at all — just a few quick steps to keep it from getting gross.
As soon as you take it out in the morning, rinse it under cool water. Not hot. Not warm. Just cool. Hot water can mess with the shape, and you definitely don’t want that.
Use a toothbrush — preferably a separate one just for your night guard. No toothpaste though. It’s too gritty and can scratch it. Just use plain water or a bit of mild soap (like hand soap, nothing fancy).
Scrub gently. No need to go full Hulk.
This is one most people forget: let your night guard dry completely before shoving it back in the case. Bacteria love a warm, damp space. Give it some air. Leave it on a clean towel or tissue for like 20–30 minutes.
Every week (or every few days if you’re picky), soak it. You can use:
Let it soak for 5–10 minutes, rinse it off well, and you’re golden.
Yeah… that plastic case you throw it in? It gets pretty gross. Give it a wash with soap and water once in a while. Doesn’t have to sparkle, just don’t let it turn into a science experiment.
Seriously, it’s not a big deal. Clean it in the morning, soak it sometimes, and don’t let it sit wet in a nasty case. Easy stuff. Your mouth (and your dentist) will thank you.
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