Introduction

If you use a night guard, your oral hygiene habits matter more than you realise.
A clean guard means better breath, healthier gums, and a much longer-lasting appliance.
And if you’re using a Reviv guard, keeping it clean helps it work exactly as designed—supporting your jaw, airway, and dental height every night.

In this guide, I’ll share the simplest, most reliable hygiene tips to keep your night guard fresh, safe, and effective.

 

1. Rinse Your Guard Immediately After You Remove It

Don’t wait.
A quick rinse removes saliva, plaque, and bacteria before they harden.

This alone extends your guard’s life by months.

 

2. Use Only Cool or Lukewarm Water

Hot water can warp certain materials—especially EVA-style appliances.
 Keep the shape. Keep the fit. Use cool water.

 

3. Brush Your Guard Daily (But Gently!)

Use a soft toothbrush only.
No whitening toothpaste, no harsh abrasives.
 These scratch the surface and trap bacteria.

 

4. Wash Your Hands Before Handling Your Guard

Small detail, big impact.
 Clean hands = clean guard = cleaner mouth.

 

5. Don’t Use Mouthwash to Clean It

Mouthwash contains alcohol and detergents that damage the material over time.
Your guard should stay flexible—not brittle.

If you want something minty, rinse your mouth, not the guard.

 

6. Avoid Toothpaste With Grit

Toothpaste scratches guards exactly the same way it scratches acrylic.
 These micro-scratches become bacteria magnets.

 

7. Deep Clean Your Guard Every 2–3 Days

A simple routine:

• A cup of warm water
  
  
• A bit of dish soap or neutral cleaner
  
  
• Soft brushing
  
  
• Full rinse
  
  

You don’t need fancy tablets.

 

8. Let Your Guard Air-Dry Fully

Moisture = bacterial growth.
 Dry the guard on a clean towel for 20–30 minutes before storing it.

 

9. Use a Ventilated Case—Not an Airtight One

Airflow prevents mold.
Your Reviv guard comes with a vented case for this exact reason.

Explore all Reviv products here:
➡️ https://getreviv.com/collections/all

 

10. Never Leave Your Guard in the Bathroom

Bathrooms are humid and full of airborne bacteria.
 Store your guard somewhere dry and clean.

 

11. Clean the Storage Case Weekly

People forget the case—but it gets dirtier than the guard.

Simple soap-and-water cleanup is enough.

 

12. Don’t Eat or Drink With Your Guard In

Food particles + saliva + a soft appliance = bacterial overgrowth.
Remove it before eating.

If you use Reviv ONE, you can still speak comfortably—but eating is a no-go.

 

13. Replace Your Guard If It Changes Color or Smell

Yellowing, cloudiness, or persistent odor = time to replace.
 You want your guard working, not hosting bacteria.

 

14. Know When a Guard Is Warped

If it suddenly:

• Feels tighter
  
  
• Feels looser
  
  
• Doesn’t sit flat
  
  

…it’s probably heat-warped.
Replace it before it affects your bite.

Check Reviv TWO here:
➡️ https://getreviv.com/products/reviv-two

 

15. Avoid Boiling Water for Cleaning

Boil-and-bite guards need heat for molding.
Reviv guards do NOT.
 Boiling will ruin them.

 

16. Keep Your Own Oral Hygiene Strong

Your guard won’t stay clean if your mouth isn’t.

Brush twice a day.
Floss before bed.
 Stay hydrated.

 

 

18. Travel With a Clean, Dry Guard

Never put a wet guard into a sealed bag.
If you’re traveling, let it dry and use a vented case.

For more travel care tips, see:
➡️ “Travel & Storage: Keep Your Reviv Mouth Guard Safe” (if this is already in your cluster)

 

19. Inspect Your Guard Weekly

Look for:

• Cracks
  
  
• Deep bite marks
  
  
• Warping
  
  
• Rough edges
  
  

Catching issues early prevents long-term bite misalignment.

 

20. Replace Your Guard Every 6–12 Months

Even the best appliances wear down.
Especially if you grind heavily.

If you’re noticing deep grooves, consider upgrading to Reviv TWO for higher durability.

 

FAQs (10+)

1. How often should I clean my night guard?

Daily, with a deeper clean every 2–3 days.

2. Can I use toothpaste?

Avoid it. It scratches the surface.

3. What’s the best way to dry my guard?

Air-dry on a clean towel.

4. How long does a night guard last?

Typically 6–12 months with daily use.

5. Can I soak it in mouthwash?

No—alcohol damages the material.

6. Can I clean my guard with soap?

Yes, mild dish soap is safe.

7. My guard smells—what do I do?

Deep clean it. If the smell persists, replace it.

8. Should my case have ventilation?

Yes—closed containers trap moisture and grow bacteria.

10. Do Reviv guards need special cleaning steps?

No—just follow the same simple routine.

 

Conclusion

Keeping your night guard clean isn’t complicated—but it’s essential.
A clean guard protects your enamel, reduces bacteria, and ensures your jaw and airway stay supported exactly the way they’re meant to.

Whether you’re using Reviv ONE or Reviv TWO, good hygiene keeps the appliance performing at its best.

If you’re ready to upgrade, refresh, or replace your current guard:

👉 Buy Reviv Mouthguard or other Reviv products by clicking here