A mouthguard that has spent 80 minutes in a rugby match, a hard football session or repeated cricket nets should not go straight back into its case. Saliva, sweat and bacteria can build up quickly, leaving your guard smelling off, feeling grimy and less pleasant to wear. Knowing how to clean a sports mouthguard properly takes less than a few minutes, but it protects the comfort and confidence you need to compete.
A clean mouthguard is not just about avoiding bad odour. It helps keep the surface smooth, reduces build-up and makes it easier to spot cracks, rough edges or a poor fit before they become a problem. Treat it as essential match-day kit, just like your boots, grip socks or compression gear.
How to clean a sports mouthguard after every session
The best cleaning routine is the one you can repeat after every training session and match. Start as soon as you can after taking the mouthguard out. Do not leave it loose in a kit bag, wrapped in a sock or sealed in a damp case until you get home. That warm, wet environment is exactly where odour-causing bacteria thrive.
First, rinse the mouthguard under cool running water. This removes saliva and surface debris before it dries onto the material. Use cool or lukewarm water only. Hot water can soften or warp a boil-and-bite mouthguard, changing the fit around your teeth and compromising the protection it is designed to provide.
Next, gently brush it using a soft toothbrush reserved for this job. A small amount of mild washing-up liquid or gentle liquid soap is enough. Brush the inside channels, outer surface and any grooves where residue can collect. You are not trying to scrub aggressively - firm pressure with a soft brush does the job without scratching the guard.
Rinse it thoroughly until there is no soap left, then shake away excess water. Leave it to air-dry completely before returning it to its case. Place it on a clean towel or in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight and radiators. Drying matters: putting a damp mouthguard into a closed case can undo the work you have just done.
Give it a deeper clean each week
Daily rinsing and brushing keeps your mouthguard match-ready, but a weekly deep clean is worthwhile during a busy season. This is especially true if you train several times a week, play back-to-back fixtures or notice a lingering smell despite your normal routine.
Use mouthguard cleaning tablets according to the instructions on the pack, or soak the guard in a denture-cleaning solution that is suitable for retainers and mouthguards. These products are designed to lift build-up from hard-to-reach areas without the heat that can distort the material. Once soaked, rinse the mouthguard well under cool water and allow it to air-dry fully.
Do not assume stronger products mean a better clean. Bleach, household disinfectant, alcohol-based cleaning products and harsh chemicals can damage the material or leave residue that should not go back in your mouth. Toothpaste is also best avoided. Many formulas are mildly abrasive and can create tiny scratches that make future build-up more likely.
If your mouthguard has a stubborn smell, deep-clean it, then check your storage habits. The problem is often a damp case rather than the cleaning method itself.
Keep the case clean too
Your mouthguard case needs attention every week. Wash it in warm, soapy water, rinse it well and leave it open until completely dry. If it has ventilation holes, check that they are not blocked by dirt or old tape from the bottom of a kit bag.
A protective case should be rigid enough to stop your mouthguard being crushed, but ventilated enough to help it dry between uses. Avoid leaving it in a hot car, on a windowsill or next to a heater. Excessive heat can affect the shape of a moulded guard, while direct sunlight can degrade materials over time.
What not to do when cleaning your mouthguard
Some shortcuts can cost you a secure fit. Never boil your mouthguard again unless the manufacturer specifically tells you to do so as part of a refitting process. Once a boil-and-bite guard has been moulded, high temperatures can alter its shape without you noticing immediately.
The dishwasher is another no. The heat cycle may warp the guard, and dishwasher detergent is not intended for something that sits against your teeth and gums. Do not put it in the washing machine with training kit either, even if it is inside its case.
It is also worth avoiding paper towels, rough scourers and stiff-bristled brushes. They can scuff the surface and make the guard harder to keep clean. A clean soft toothbrush, mild soap, cool water and proper drying are the reliable basics.
Check the fit while you clean
Cleaning time gives you a simple opportunity to inspect your protection. Look closely for splits, thinning material, bite marks that have worn through, sharp edges, staining that will not lift or a distorted shape. If the mouthguard no longer sits securely over your teeth, it is no longer giving you the same standard of protection.
For growing teenagers, fit can change surprisingly quickly. A guard that felt tight and secure at the start of term may become loose after dental changes or orthodontic treatment. Adults should also reassess fit after any dental work, particularly crowns, braces or changes to tooth alignment.
A good sports mouthguard should feel secure without needing constant biting to hold it in place. It should not cause pain, rub against your gums or make it difficult to breathe clearly during high-intensity play. If it does, clean it, inspect it and replace it if the shape or condition has deteriorated.
Build it into your post-match routine
The easiest way to keep a mouthguard clean is to make it automatic. After the final whistle or your last training drill, rinse it before you shower. When you get home, brush it while you clean your boots or prepare your recovery kit. By the time your kit is drying, your mouthguard should be drying too.
For players travelling straight from school, work or an away fixture, carry a ventilated case and a small soft brush in your wash bag. A cool-water rinse at the venue is better than leaving it uncleaned for hours. You can complete the proper wash when you get home.
This habit also stops the frustrating last-minute search before a match. A guard that lives clean, dry and protected in its case is ready when you are. Atak Sports athletes put serious focus into performance details because the small routines often support the biggest moments.
When should you replace a sports mouthguard?
There is no single replacement date that suits every athlete. It depends on the material, how often you train, how hard you bite, your age and whether the guard has taken an impact. A player using a mouthguard several times a week will normally wear through it sooner than someone using it only for occasional fixtures.
Replace it straight away if it is cracked, torn, misshapen, uncomfortable, loose or difficult to clean. Do the same after significant dental work or if your dentist advises that the fit has changed. A mouthguard is protective equipment, not a piece of kit to stretch beyond its useful life.
Keep the routine simple: rinse, gently brush, air-dry and store it properly. Your mouthguard is there for the collisions, elbows, falls and unexpected moments that sport can bring. Give it a clean home between sessions, and it will feel fresher, fit better and be ready to protect your game when it matters.
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