If you wear a mouthguard on the field, you already know it plays a big role in protecting your teeth and reducing the risk of injuries. But if you’re not keeping that mouthguard clean, you could be putting your oral health at serious risk.
Let’s break down exactly how to clean a football mouthguard the right way — so you can stay fresh, safe, and ready for every snap.
Why Cleaning Your Mouthguard Matters
This isn’t just about avoiding bad smells — knowing proper hygiene when using football mouthguards is a key part of staying game-ready.
Preventing Bacteria and Odor
After every game or practice, your mouthguard collects saliva, dirt, and microscopic food particles. That’s a favorable environment for bacteria, and without regular cleaning, it can lead to infections, unpleasant smells, and even dental problems.
Think of it like your toothbrush, you wouldn’t skip rinsing that, right? The same logic applies here. A clean mouthguard means you’re doing your part to protect your teeth and health.
Extending the Life of Your Gear
Cleaning your mouthguard properly also extends its lifespan. Built-up stains and improper storage can cause the material to break down, reducing the effectiveness of the guard and making it more likely you’ll need to replace it sooner than expected.
Protecting Your Health On and Off the Field
Neglecting your mouthguard care can lead to serious oral health issues, like gum infections, bad breath, and even mouth ulcers. Players who don’t clean their guards regularly face a higher risk of bacterial exposure and fungal growth — issues that could sideline you long before your opponent does.1
Daily Cleaning Routine
The best defense is a daily cleaning routine. Follow these steps after every practice or game, no matter the type of football mouthguard.
1. Rinse Immediately After Use
Always rinse your mouthguard with cool water as soon as you take it out. This helps remove saliva, food particles, and surface debris right away. Never use hot water, it can warp the material and ruin the fit.
2. Brush with Toothpaste or Soap
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap to gently brush your mouthguard. This step removes bacteria and keeps the surface smooth and clean. Avoid harsh chemicals or whitening agents, they can damage the material.
3. Air Dry Before Storing
Let it dry completely before putting it back in its case. A dry mouthguard prevents moisture-loving bacteria from growing. Set it on a clean towel or use a cool surface to ensure it dries thoroughly.
Deep Cleaning Methods (Weekly or As Needed)
Even with daily care, your mouthguard needs a deeper clean at least once a week — or any time it starts to smell off.
Alcohol-Free Mouthwash Soak
One of the best mouthguard cleaning methods is soaking it in a diluted alcohol-free mouthwash for 20–30 minutes. This helps kill germs and leaves your guard with a fresh, clean scent. Rinse with cool water afterward and let it air dry completely.
Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide Combo
If you want a natural deep clean, soak your mouthguard in white vinegar for 30 minutes, then rinse and soak it again in hydrogen peroxide for another 30 minutes. This combo is powerful against bacteria and stains, just make sure to rinse and dry thoroughly before use.
Baking Soda Paste Scrub
Make a paste using baking soda and water, then gently scrub your mouthguard with a toothbrush. This cleaning method helps remove stains, neutralize odor, and eliminate buildup without damaging the surface.
Denture Cleaning Tablets
Yes, you can use denture cleaning tablets for this too! Drop your mouthguard into a cup of warm water with a denture cleaning tablet and let it fizz for the amount of time indicated on the label. This method is fast, effective, and great for busy athletes who want a quick, reliable solution.
General Tips for Mouthguard Maintenance
Keeping your mouthguard clean is only part of the routine. Follow these tips to help your gear last longer and keep your oral health protected:
Avoid Hot Water and Sunlight
Heat can affect the shape of your mouthguard, which ruins the fit and reduces its effectiveness. Always clean with cool water and store it in a cool, shaded place — never in direct sunlight or a hot car.
Use a Ventilated Case
Store your mouthguard in a ventilated case that allows airflow. This helps keep it dry and prevents mold or bacteria from developing. Bonus: it also protects it from getting crushed in your football bag!
Clean the Case Regularly
Yes, even the case collects just as much grime as your mouthguard. Make sure to give it a good rinse and scrub at least once a week with soap and water, or wipe it down with disinfectant to ensure it stays clean.
Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Mouthguard
A proper cleaning routine helps extend its life, but knowing when to replace your mouthguard ensures you're never stuck with something that doesn’t protect.
Replace it if you notice cracks, warping, discoloration, or if the fit becomes uncomfortable. Most dentists and sports gear experts recommend replacing your mouthguard every 6–12 months or at the start of each new season.
And if you’re using the same one from last year? Yeah, it’s time to replace it.
Make Cleaning Part of Your Routine to Stay Game-Ready with Battle Sports
A few extra minutes of cleaning and care after each practice can mean fewer infections, less odor, and a better-performing mouthguard all season long. Whether you’re grinding through drills or dominating under the lights, staying consistent with your hygiene routine keeps you safe, focused, and ready to go.
At Battle Sports, we build football mouthguards that are easy to clean, comfortable to wear, and built for superb protection. Our designs help protect your teeth, maintain fit, and keep your football drip fresh, game after game.
Sources:
1. National Library of Medicine. Mouthguard use, hygiene, and maintenance practices among combat and team sports athletes: A comparative study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11778648/