Your football mouthguard is a must-have for staying safe on the field. Although it’s key to protecting your smile, it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors without proper cleaning—yuck.1
Between practices and games, your mouthguard is exposed to sweat, saliva, and all kinds of germs, so keeping it clean is super important.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting, a few mouthguard maintenance tips will help you hit the ground running. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean a football mouthguard, which storage tools you’ll want to use, and when it may be time for a replacement.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Football Mouthguard
Keeping football mouthguards clean is a simple but important way to stay safe and healthy. With just a few easy steps, you can keep your gear fresh, odor-free, and ready to protect you when it matters most.
Daily Cleaning Routine
A little daily care can make a big difference in preventing bacteria and bad smells from taking over your mouthguard:
- Rinse it with cool water right after use – After practice or a game, rinse your mouthguard under cool running water to remove saliva, dirt, and debris ASAP. This quick step keeps grime from sticking and makes cleaning later much easier.
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste – Use a toothbrush (not your daily one) and a dab of mild soap or toothpaste to gently scrub your mouthguard clean. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.
With a quick scrub each day, you can prevent bacteria and odor buildup—because who wants to put a germy, stinky mouthguard in?
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Taking time for a weekly deep clean will help your mouthguard stay in great shape and last longer.
- Soak it in antibacterial mouthwash or denture cleaner – Fill a small container with alcohol-free mouthwash diluted with water—or use a denture-cleaning solution. Let your mouthguard soak for 10–15 minutes. Soaking kills germs and freshens your binky mouthguard, and it’ll feel like new each time you wear it.
- Remove stains and odors – For tough spots or lingering odors, mix baking soda and water into a paste and gently scrub your mouthguard with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
These simple weekly routines can restore your mouthguard and keep it looking and smelling clean.
Drying and Storage
How you dry and store your mouthguard matters just as much as how you clean it.
- Let it air dry completely – Place your mouthguard on a clean surface and let it air dry fully before storing it. Avoid using a towel—loose fibers might stick to it. Proper drying prevents bacteria and mold from forming, keeping your mouthguard safe and clean.
- Use a ventilated storage case – Store your mouthguard in a hard, ventilated case to keep it clean and dry; avoid letting it bang around in the bottom of your football bag (where it’ll pick up every loose piece of dirt from your uniform and pads). A good storage case protects your mouthguard from germs and damage while keeping it fresh between uses.
- Store in a cool and dry place – Keep your mouthguard away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, as heat can warp it and degrade its material. A cool, dry environment helps maintain its shape and durability.
A little care goes a long way—with these easy steps, your mouthguard will stay clean, comfortable, and ready for every game.
Why Cleaning Your Football Mouthguard Is Essential
Your mouthguard is more than just a piece of football gear; it’s a vital tool that protects your teeth and gums during high-impact plays. However, its effectiveness depends on proper care and maintenance. Let’s dive into why keeping your mouthguard clean matters.
The Importance of Hygiene
When you wear a mouthguard, it comes into constant contact with your saliva, gums, and teeth. If it’s not cleaned regularly, it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms.
Over time, sweat, dirt, and saliva can accumulate on your mouthguard, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. This can lead to oral infections, gum irritation, bad breath, and even more serious issues like strep throat or fungal infections.2
Cleaning your mouthguard daily ensures that harmful germs don’t have a chance to settle in and cause problems. And clean gear means you can focus on the game—not worry about embarrassing odors or discomfort.
Prolonging the Life of Your Mouthguard
Mouthguards are made to withstand tough conditions, but they still need proper care to last. Dirt, grime, and bacteria can break down the materials in your mouthguard over time, making it less durable and more prone to damage.
By cleaning it regularly, you remove harmful substances that could cause cracking, warping, or discoloration.
Maintaining your mouthguard also means you have to replace it less frequently. Taking a little time to clean and care for it regularly can make it last much longer and save you some serious cash in the long run.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Mouthguards
Properly caring for your football mouthguard is essential to keeping it clean, effective, and long-lasting. However, it’s easy to make mistakes that can damage your mouthguard or compromise its performance. Let’s look at some of the most common pitfalls to avoid so your football drip stays in great shape.
Using Hot Water
One of the biggest mistakes people make when cleaning their mouthguard is rinsing or soaking it in hot water. While it might seem like a good way to kill germs, heat can do more harm than good.
Most custom fit mouthguards are made from thermoplastic materials that soften under high temperatures. Exposing them to hot water can cause them to warp, lose their custom fit, or compromise their protective function.
A warped mouthguard won’t fit properly, which can lead to discomfort and reduced effectiveness on the field.
Neglecting Regular Cleaning
Another common mistake is skipping regular cleaning. It might seem like no big deal to toss your mouthguard in your bag after practice without rinsing it, but this can lead to serious hygiene issues.
When you don’t clean your mouthguard daily (or after every practice), saliva, dirt, and bacteria accumulate, creating the perfect environment for germs to thrive. A quick rinse and scrub after each use helps prevent bacterial buildup.
Chewing on the Mouthguard
It’s easy to absentmindedly chew on your mouthguard, especially during games or practice, but this habit can cause significant damage. Chewing weakens the material of the mouthguard, which can cause:
- Cracks
- Tears
- Thin spots
These can all compromise a mouthguard’s ability to protect your teeth. Over time, these weak points can lead to a complete breakdown, meaning you’ll need to replace your mouthguard sooner than necessary.
Plus, small cracks open up new surface areas for germs—another prospective breeding ground for gunk.
If you’re tempted to chew, try to stay mindful and remember that a damaged mouthguard can’t do its job properly.
Additional Maintenance Tips for Football Mouthguards
Keeping your football mouthguard clean is essential, but maintenance doesn’t stop there. These simple practices can make a huge difference in your mouthguard’s performance and lifespan.
Inspect Regularly
Over time, mouthguards can develop small cracks or rough edges from regular use. These issues might not seem like a big deal, but they can reduce the mouthguard’s ability to protect your teeth.
Rough edges can also irritate your gums or cheeks, leading to discomfort during games or practice.
Make it a habit to look over your mouthguard after each cleaning session. If you notice any signs of damage, it might be time for a fresh guard.
Replace When Necessary
Even with proper care, no type of football mouthguard lasts forever. Knowing when to replace yours is just as important as cleaning it.
If your mouthguard has visible cracks and tears or it’s lost its shape, it’s time for a replacement. A loose or warped mouthguard won’t stay securely in place, which can compromise your safety on the field.
Or, if your teammates won’t get too close to you on the field, you might have an odor problem: Bad smells may be a sign that your mouthguard is harboring bacteria deep in the material. Don’t wait until your mouthguard is completely unusable to replace it. Regular replacements ensure you’re always getting the best protection possible.
Use the Right Storage Case
How you store your mouthguard between uses can significantly impact its longevity and cleanliness. A good storage case is rigid enough to protect your mouthguard from being squished in your bag and ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
Moist environments are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, so a case with air holes helps keep your mouthguard dry and fresh.
Always clean and dry your mouthguard before placing it in the case to avoid trapping dirt and moisture inside. Avoid tossing it loose into your bag, as this exposes it to additional germs and potential damage.
Why Choose Battle Sports Mouthguards?
When it comes to protecting yourself on the field, quality matters—and that’s where Battle Sports football mouthguards stand out. Designed for durability, comfort, and maximum protection, our mouthguards are built to handle the toughest plays while staying secure and comfortable in your mouth.
Plus, we offer tons of color and design options—whether you’re looking to match your team or curate your own football drip, we have a mouthguard for you.
Battle Sports meets the needs of athletes at every level. Be game-ready with Battle today.
Sources:
- ScienceDaily. To Keep Mouths Safe, Don't Just Wear A Mouthguard; Keep It Clean. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071210163207.htm
- Marlborough Dental Centre. How to Properly Clean Your Mouthguard. https://marlboroughdentalcentre.com/blog/Tips+on+How+to+Properly+Clean+Your+Mouthguard/372
