How to Clean and Care for Your Custom Mouthguard
A custom mouthguard spends a lot of time in your mouth and your gym bag, so it needs regular cleaning to stay fresh, and the right storage to keep its shape. Here is how to clean and care for yours, based on guidance from the American Dental Association's MouthHealthy site and our own lab.
Quick answer
Rinse your guard in cool water before and after each use. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild, unscented soap. For a deeper clean, soak it in an effervescent denture or retainer cleaning tablet in cool water as the label directs, then rinse. Let it air-dry in a ventilated case, and keep it away from hot water, dishwashers, hot cars and direct sun so it keeps its shape. No mouthwash, alcohol or bleach.
Every time you use it
- Rinse before you put it in with cool water.
- Rinse right after you take it out to wash off saliva and debris before they dry on.
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, inside and out, then rinse well.
- Let it dry before you close it in a case. A vented case lets air in so it can dry.
A deeper clean
Every so often, or whenever it starts to smell or look cloudy, soak it in an effervescent denture or retainer cleaning tablet dissolved in cool water, following the label, then rinse thoroughly. The ADA also suggests regularly cleaning it in cool, soapy water.
Why we say no toothpaste
The ADA's MouthHealthy tips say you can rinse or brush your guard with a toothbrush and toothpaste. We recommend mild soap instead, because most toothpaste is mildly abrasive and over time can scratch and dull the surface of a custom guard. Either way, brush gently.
What to avoid
- Heat: hot or boiling water, the dishwasher, a hot car and direct sun can warp the guard. The ADA says never leave it in the sun or in hot water. Once the shape changes, so does the fit. More in loose mouthguard fixes.
- Harsh liquids: no mouthwash, alcohol or bleach.
- Pets: the ADA notes that family pets often see mouthguards as chew toys. Keep the guard and case out of reach.
Storage and travel
Keep your guard in a sturdy, ventilated case between sessions, not loose in a bag or pocket. Clean the case too, with mild soap and water, and let it dry. Need one? Our mouthguard case is $6.99 in accessories.
Check it and replace it
Look it over regularly. Cracks, tears, chewed edges, thin spots or a fit that feels loose all mean it's time for a new one. The ADA suggests bringing your mouthguard to dental checkups so your dentist can check it. We recommend replacing your AlienGuard every year, or sooner if it's damaged or worn, and kids and teens may need one sooner because their mouths are still changing. See how often to replace your mouthguard and how long a custom mouthguard lasts.
Choose Impression Storage when you build and we keep your model on file, so you can reorder without taking a new impression. Picking a new one? Origin or Origin Pro for combat sports, NanoBite (4 mm) for wrestling, BJJ and team sports, PowerBite for lifting. Compare models.
Athletes with braces can get AlienGuards, but their dentist needs to take the impression instead of using our at-home kit, so the braces don't get damaged. The dentist can take an impression or 3D scan, then ship it to us or email it to impressions@alienguards.com. More in mouthguards with braces.
Ordering for a team, club or gym? Teams get 20% off every model, including NanoBite and PowerBite, with a minimum of 5, and we keep athletes' models on file for quick replacements. See team orders.
Mouthguard care FAQ
Can I boil my mouthguard to clean it?
No. Boiling water, hot water and the dishwasher can warp a custom guard and ruin the fit. Use cool water and mild soap.
Can I soak my mouthguard in mouthwash?
We don't recommend it. Skip mouthwash, alcohol and bleach. For a deeper clean, use an effervescent denture or retainer tablet in cool water as the label directs.
How do I get rid of the smell?
Rinse and brush it after every use, let it dry before closing the case, and use a cleaning tablet now and then. If the smell stays, replace it.
More questions? See our mouthguard FAQ.