How to Clean and Care for Your Reviv Mouth Guard
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A well-maintained guard lasts longer, stays hygienic, and maintains its mechanical properties over time. This guide covers the daily and weekly care routine for your Reviv guard — what to use, what to avoid, and when to replace it.
Why Care Routine Matters
Reviv is worn in the mouth for extended periods during sleep. Without consistent cleaning, bacterial biofilm accumulates on the surface — which affects hygiene and can contribute to oral health concerns over time.
Reviv's material is designed to hold its shape and mechanical properties under clenching load during sleep. Certain cleaning agents and conditions can affect the material over time — understanding which to avoid helps maintain the guard's mechanical function for its full expected lifespan.
Daily Care — Takes 30 Seconds
Every morning immediately after removal:
Step 1: Rinse with cool or lukewarm water. Rinse the guard under running water immediately after removal. This removes saliva before it dries and reduces bacterial buildup.
Step 2: Clean with mild soap and a soft brush. Use a small amount of mild liquid soap — dish soap or hand soap is appropriate. Gently brush all surfaces with a soft-bristled toothbrush or dedicated guard brush. Do not use toothpaste — toothpaste is abrasive and will scratch the guard surface over time, creating micro-grooves where bacteria accumulate.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly. Rinse all soap residue from the guard completely. Soap residue left on the guard is unpleasant and can irritate oral tissues.
Step 4: Air dry completely before storing. Allow the guard to air dry fully before placing it in its case. Storing a wet guard in a closed case creates conditions for bacterial and mould growth. Place it on a clean surface or the open case to dry — do not wrap in tissue or close in the case while wet.
Step 5: Store in a ventilated case. Use the ventilated case provided with your guard. Ventilation allows any remaining moisture to escape. Keep the case clean — rinse and air dry it weekly.
Weekly Deep Clean
Once per week, a more thorough clean removes accumulated buildup that daily cleaning may not fully address.
Recommended weekly methods:
| Method | How to Use |
|---|---|
| White vinegar and water (1:1) | Soak for 10–15 minutes, rinse thoroughly, air dry |
| Non-alcohol denture cleaning tablets | Follow package instructions — typically 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly |
| Baking soda paste | Apply gently with soft brush, rinse thoroughly |
Occasional deep clean (monthly):
| Method | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen peroxide and water (1:1) | Soak for 5–10 minutes maximum, rinse very thoroughly, air dry |
UV sanitisers designed for oral appliances are also appropriate and effective if preferred.
What to Avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Toothpaste | Abrasive — scratches surface, creates bacterial accumulation sites |
| Hot water | Can affect material properties — use cool or lukewarm only |
| Alcohol-based mouthwash | Can degrade material over time |
| Dishwasher | Heat and detergent will damage the guard |
| Prolonged soaking | Extended soaking beyond recommended times can affect material |
| Direct sunlight storage | UV exposure can degrade material over time |
Storage
At home: Store in the ventilated case provided, fully dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Travelling: A breathable pouch or ventilated travel case protects against scratches and damage. Avoid sealed plastic bags — moisture accumulates.
Never: Store wet, wrapped in tissue, or in a sealed non-ventilated container.
When to Replace Your Guard
Replace your Reviv guard when you notice any of the following:
| Sign | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Visible compression or shape change | Guard has lost mechanical properties — no longer providing consistent support |
| Visible cracks or tears | Structural integrity compromised |
| Persistent odour despite cleaning | Biofilm embedded in material — hygiene concern |
| Significant discolouration | May indicate material breakdown or biofilm |
| Bite feels different upon waking | Guard may have changed shape |
Expected lifespan by use intensity:
| Use Pattern | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Mild grinding, consistent care | 9–12 months |
| Regular grinding, consistent care | 6–9 months |
| Heavy grinding or less consistent care | 3–6 months |
These are estimates — inspect your guard regularly and replace when mechanical properties change regardless of time elapsed.
Important: Reviv Is Not a Remoldable Guard
Reviv is a pre-formed oral appliance. It is not designed to be heated and remolded at home.
Do not attempt to heat, reshape, or remold your Reviv guard. Heating the guard at home can alter its mechanical properties and shape in ways that compromise its function. If your guard no longer fits comfortably or feels different from when new, contact Reviv support or consult a dental professional rather than attempting home modification.
If you have had significant new dental work — new crowns, extractions, or orthodontic changes — and your guard no longer fits comfortably, contact Reviv support to discuss whether a replacement is appropriate.
Cleaning Your Case
The case is often overlooked but worth cleaning weekly:
- Rinse with warm water
- Allow to air dry completely before closing
- Do not store a wet guard in a clean case — or a dry guard in a wet case
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use mouthwash to clean my guard? Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash — it can degrade the material over time. Non-alcohol mouthwash is generally acceptable for occasional rinsing but is not necessary as part of the regular routine.
Can I soak my guard overnight? No. Extended soaking is not recommended and is unnecessary. The recommended soak times above are sufficient for effective cleaning.
My guard smells despite regular cleaning — what should I do? Persistent odour despite consistent cleaning suggests biofilm embedded in the material. Try the hydrogen peroxide soak (monthly method) first. If odour persists, the guard may need replacement.
Can I clean my guard with boiling water? No. Hot water can affect the guard's material properties. Use cool or lukewarm water only.
How do I know if my guard still has its mechanical properties? If the guard has visibly compressed, changed shape, developed cracks, or if morning jaw tightness has returned after previously improving — inspect the guard for visible wear and consider replacement.
Can I share my guard cleaning routine with a family member's guard? Do not share guards or cleaning brushes between users. Oral appliances are personal hygiene items.
Final Note
Consistent daily care takes approximately 30 seconds and significantly extends guard lifespan while maintaining hygiene. Weekly deep cleaning adds five to fifteen minutes once per week.
The investment in consistent care protects both the guard's mechanical properties and your oral hygiene — and avoids premature replacement costs.
Note: Reviv is an oral appliance intended for general jaw support. It is not a remoldable thermoplastic guard and should not be heated or reshaped at home. If you have questions about fit or care specific to your situation, contact Reviv support or consult a dental professional.