Night Guard Maintenance 101: Keeping It Clean, Comfy, and Long-Lasting

How to Care for Your Mouthguard (Without Ruining It)

You finally found a night guard you actually like (maybe Reviv?).
It fits.
It works.
It lets you sleep without clenching, grinding, or waking up sore.

But now comes the important part: keeping it clean and comfortable—so it lasts.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple, dentist-approved night guard maintenance routine to:

• Prevent bacteria and bad smells
  
  
• Keep the fit consistent
  
  
• Extend the lifespan of your mouthguard
  
  
• Avoid costly replacements
  

Let’s get into it.

🧼 Step 1: Clean It Every Single Morning

Yes, every day.
Your mouthguard sits in a warm, moist environment overnight—a breeding ground for bacteria if left unwashed.

🔹 What to do:

• Rinse with cold or lukewarm water (never hot!)
  
  
• Use a soft toothbrush (separate from your regular one)
  
  
• Gently brush with mild, non-abrasive soap (not toothpaste!)
  
  
• Rinse thoroughly and let air dry
  

Pro Tip: Toothpaste is too abrasive—it scratches the surface and traps bacteria.

 

🚿 Step 2: Deep Clean Weekly

Even with daily cleaning, your guard needs a deep clean to prevent buildup and odor.

🔹 Do this once per week:

• Soak in a denture-cleaning tablet (like Polident or Retainer Brite) for 5–10 minutes
  
  
• Rinse thoroughly with water
  
  
• Let air dry on a clean towel or vented tray
  

Avoid bleach, alcohol, or harsh cleaners—they can warp the material.

❄️ Step 3: Store It Right

Never toss your guard into a drawer or leave it on the bathroom counter. That’s how it gets:

• Dirty
  
  
• Warped
  
  
• Chewed by pets (yes, it happens)
  

🔹 Best practice:

• Store in a ventilated case (Reviv guards come with one!)
  
  
• Keep the case dry and clean
  
  
• Don’t expose the guard to direct sunlight or heat
  

🔁 Step 4: Know When to Replace It

Even the best night guards don’t last forever—especially if you’re a heavy clencher or grinder.

🔹 Watch for signs like:

• Thinning or cracks
  
  
• Bite no longer feels right
  
  
• Guard starts to smell even after cleaning
  
  
• Increased jaw soreness (it may not be supporting alignment properly anymore)
  

Reviv guards typically last 3–6 months depending on intensity of use—and they’re affordable enough to replace regularly.

👉 Get a fresh Reviv guard here

🚫 Common Mistakes That Ruin Night Guards

❌ Using hot water to clean

Hot water can warp the material and ruin the fit.

❌ Brushing with toothpaste

It scratches the surface and causes odor over time.

❌ Skipping daily cleaning

Even one night of buildup can lead to bacterial growth.

❌ Storing in a closed, wet case

Moisture + no airflow = mold risk.

❌ Using mouthwash or alcohol

Too harsh. It can break down the material.

🧴 Bonus: Natural Cleaning Rinse (DIY)

Want an extra-fresh, chemical-free option?

Mix:

• 1 part white vinegar
  
  
• 1 part cold water
  
  
• Soak guard for 5 minutes
  
  
• Rinse with cool water and let air dry
  

Great for once-a-week freshness boost!

🛡️ Final Thoughts: Treat It Like a Toothbrush… For Your Jaw

You wouldn’t go weeks without cleaning your toothbrush, right?

Your night guard plays a crucial role in:

• Preventing dental damage
  
  
• Reducing jaw tension
  
  
• Helping you sleep better
  

Taking 2 minutes a day to care for it = longer lifespan and better results.

👉 Need a backup or replacement? Get your next Reviv here

FAQs

1. How long should a night guard last?
Typically 3–6 months for daily use. If you grind heavily, expect closer to 3 months.

2. Can I clean it with mouthwash?
No—mouthwash contains alcohol and dyes that can break down the material.

3. What if my guard starts smelling?
Soak it in a denture tablet or vinegar rinse. Persistent odor = time to replace.

4. Can I use toothpaste?
Avoid it. Use gentle soap and a soft brush instead.

5. How should I dry it?
 Air dry completely before storing—don’t use towels or tissues (they leave fibers behind).