Introduction

Most people clean their mouthguard the wrong way.
They use toothpaste (too abrasive).
Boiling water (warps the shape).
Mouthwash (breaks down the material).
Or—they don’t clean it at all.

A mouthguard lives in a warm, wet environment inside your mouth.
That means bacteria, plaque, and saliva build up fast.
A dirty guard doesn’t just smell bad—it irritates your gums, damages enamel, and shortens the life of the guard.

This guide breaks down the right way to clean and care for your mouthguard—based on material science, hygiene research, and Reviv’s own care recommendations.

 

1. Your Mouthguard Is Like a Toothbrush—It Needs Daily Cleaning

You wouldn’t reuse a toothbrush without rinsing it.
Your mouthguard needs at least the same level of care.

Daily cleaning removes:

• bacteria
  
  
• plaque
  
  
• saliva film
  
  
• odor-causing residue
  

2. Rinse Immediately After Use

Right when you remove your guard:

• rinse under lukewarm water
  
  
• wash off saliva and debris
  
  

This prevents buildup before it hardens.

 

3. Use Mild Soap—Never Toothpaste

Toothpaste contains abrasives that scratch the guard.
Scratches trap bacteria.

Use:

• fragrance-free soap
  
  
• gentle dish soap
  
  
• liquid hand soap
  
  

Avoid whitening toothpaste at all costs.

 

4. Soft-Bristle Brush Only

Use a separate brush—not the one you brush teeth with.

Scrub lightly to avoid micro-scratches.

 

5. Never Use Boiling Water

High heat warps:

• EVA
  
  
• acrylic
  
  
• dual-laminate materials
  
  

Warped shape = ruined fit.

Reviv guards are heat-sensitive after molding—treat them gently.

 

6. No Mouthwash or Alcohol-Based Cleaners

They break down polymers and dry out the material.

This leads to:

• cracking
  
  
• warping
  
  
• stickiness
  
  

If it burns your gums, it burns your guard.

7. Weekly Deep Clean With Proper Solutions

Once a week, soak your guard in:

• denture tablet solution
  
  
• retainer cleaner
  
  
• non-abrasive cleansing crystals
  
  

Do NOT soak daily—over-soaking weakens material.

 

8. Drying Matters More Than Cleaning

A wet mouthguard is a bacteria magnet.

Dry completely before storing:

• pat with towel
  
  
• air-dry 15–30 minutes
  
  

Never store damp.

 

9. Use a Ventilated Case

A sealed case traps moisture.
A ventilated case prevents bacterial growth.

Reviv cases are designed with airflow in mind.

 

10. Clean the Case Too

People forget this part.
Your case gets dirty quickly.

Wash it:

• 2–3 times per week
  
  
• with soap + water
  
  
• dry fully
  
  

Dirty case = dirty guard.

 

11. Avoid Sun Exposure

Sun + heat = warped material.
Don’t leave your guard:

• in the car
  
  
• near windows
  
  
• under bathroom lights
  
  

Temperature swings shorten lifespan.

 

12. Keep It Away From Pets

Dogs LOVE mouthguards.
The saliva smell attracts them.

Always store in a closed case on a high shelf.

 

13. Handle With Clean Hands Only

If your hands have food, oils, or lotions, those go directly on the guard.

Always wash hands before touching it.

 

14. Don’t Chew On the Guard During the Day

Chewing on it when you're awake:

• warps shape
  
  
• weakens structure
  
  
• increases wear
  
  

Night only.

 

15. Know When to Replace Your Guard

Replace when you see:

• cracks
  
  
• thinning
  
  
• warping
  
  
• bite marks
  
  
• rough edges
  
  

Most night guards last 6–12 months depending on grinding intensity.

Reviv TWO lasts longest for heavy grinders:
➡️ https://getreviv.com/products/reviv-two

 

16. Don’t Share Your Guard With Anyone

Your bacteria = your biome.
Sharing spreads pathogens and alters fit permanently.

One guard per person. Always.

17. Traveling? Keep It Dry and Ventilated

When traveling, always:

• dry thoroughly
  
  
• keep in a ventilated case
  
  
• avoid hot luggage compartments
  
  

Explore travel-friendly care tips:
 ➡️ https://getreviv.com/blogs/content/travel-storage-keep-your-reviv-mouthguard-safe-odor-free

 

19. Clean Before AND After Wearing

Before wearing:

• rinse guard
  
  
• rinse mouth
  
  

After wearing:

• rinse + clean + dry
  
  

This routine prevents overnight bacteria buildup.

 

20. A Clean Guard Lasts Longer and Feels Better

Proper care:

• extends life
  
  
• keeps it odor-free
  
  
• maintains fit
  
  
• protects your gums
  
  
• stops bacteria from transferring to your mouth
  
  

A mouthguard only works if you wear it—cleaning keeps it comfortable.

 

FAQs (10+)

1. How often should I clean my mouthguard?

Daily cleaning + weekly deep cleaning.

2. Can I use mouthwash to clean it?

No—alcohol damages materials.

3. Can I use hot water?

Only lukewarm. Anything hotter risks warping.

4. What’s the best cleaner?

Gentle soap daily, denture tablets weekly.

5. Can I soak it in baking soda?

Yes—safe for odor control.

6. Why does my guard smell bad?

Moisture + bacteria from not drying completely.

7. How long do Reviv guards last?

Reviv ONE: moderate grinders, ~6 months.
Reviv TWO: heavy grinders, up to 12+ months.

8. What if my guard turns cloudy?

Normal from wear—cleaning keeps it hygienic.

9. Can a dirty guard cause gum irritation?

Yes—bacteria buildup leads to inflammation.

10. Should I store it wet?

Never. Always fully dry.

 

Conclusion

Cleaning your mouthguard properly is not complicated—it just requires the right routine.
Rinse, brush gently, deep-clean weekly, dry fully, and store in a ventilated case.
This keeps your jaw safe, your enamel protected, and your guard lasting as long as possible.

For the cleanest, safest jaw support:

👉 Buy a Reviv Mouthguard or other Reviv products by clicking here