How to Clean a Sports Mouthguard: The Complete Guide
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by Leon Schmidt SonicSmile · 5 min read · Sport & Mouthguards
A sports mouthguard has a tough job: it sits in the mouth during intense exertion, soaks up sweat and saliva, and then often ends up sweaty in the gym bag – where it's forgotten until the next session. Few pieces of equipment are used this hard and cleaned this rarely.
Yet the mouthguard in particular is a hygiene hotspot. Here's why – and how to keep it properly clean and odour-free.
Why Sports Mouthguards Get Germy So Fast
During sport we breathe more intensely, often through the mouth, and produce more saliva. The mouthguard absorbs all of it. At the same time, oral hygiene before training is rarely perfect – bacteria, food debris and sugar from the pre-workout snack land directly on the material.
The real problem comes afterwards: a warm, moist mouthguard that goes sweaty into a closed gym bag is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. In the dark, damp environment they multiply undisturbed until the next use.
Anyone who's used a neglected mouthguard knows the result: unpleasant odour, a stale taste – and an increased risk of mouth infections and gum inflammation.
The basic rule: Clean the mouthguard after every use – not only when it smells. Never put it away sweaty in a closed bag. And never clean it with hot water: above 40°C distorts the material and ruins the fit.
How to Clean Your Mouthguard Correctly
Rinse immediately after every session. Rinse under cold or lukewarm water right after use to remove saliva and coarse dirt. Don't wait until you get home.
Disinfect thoroughly. Rinsing alone removes no biofilm. For a thorough clean, use the Sonic One™ ultrasonic cleaner with a Sterilising Tablet – this dislodges biofilm from the material and kills 99.9% of bacteria and fungi. 3 to 5 minutes and the mouthguard is germ-free.
Let it dry completely. After cleaning, let it air-dry before it goes back into storage. A damp mouthguard in a closed container is a breeding ground again.
Store in a ventilated case. Never loose in the gym bag, never in an airtight container. A case with air holes lets residual moisture escape while protecting from dirt.
What to Avoid
| Mistake | Why |
|---|---|
| Hot water | Distorts the material, ruins the fit |
| Sweaty into the bag | Dark + damp = ideal breeding ground |
| Toothpaste + brush | Scratches the material, more bacteria |
| Only cleaning occasionally | Biofilm and odour build up |
| Putting it away damp | Promotes mould and fungi |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my sports mouthguard?
After every use. A quick rinse right after training is essential, and a thorough disinfection with ultrasonic and a cleaning tablet should also happen after every use – the mouthguard is used harder than most other guards and gets germy accordingly faster.
My mouthguard already smells – can I get rid of it?
In most cases yes. Several ultrasonic cycles with a Sterilising Tablet back to back dislodge even stubborn biofilm. If the odour persists despite thorough cleaning, the bacteria may already sit too deep in the material – then a replacement is the more hygienic choice, especially for a product that sits directly in the mouth.
Can I clean the mouthguard with a toothbrush?
Better not. As with dental guards, a toothbrush and toothpaste leave micro-scratches in the material where bacteria settle. Non-contact cleaning with ultrasonic is gentler and more thorough – especially for a mouthguard that's already heavily used.
When should I buy a new mouthguard?
It depends on the use. In contact sports with heavy biting, a mouthguard can be worn out after a single season. Signs for a replacement: visible cracks, bitten-through spots, a loosening fit or an odour that can no longer be removed by cleaning. Good care significantly extends its lifespan.
Does this apply to night guards I wear during sport too?
Yes. All removable plastic guards – sports mouthguards, night guards, aligners – are made from similar material and are cleaned the same way. The Sterilising Tablets and the Sonic One™ are suitable for all of them equally.
After Training
Sonic One™
Ultrasonic cleaner that dislodges biofilm from the mouthguard and makes it germ-free – in 3–5 minutes, non-contact and gentle.
View Product →Against Odour & Germs
Sterilising Tablets
Remove 99.9% of bacteria and fungi – ideal for the heavily used sports mouthguard.
View Product →
