Why Cleaning Your Mouthguard Matters

Your mouthguard spends hours pressed against your teeth, collecting everything your mouth produces — bacteria, plaque, and whatever was on the gym floor when you dropped it. An unclean guard can cause bad breath, gum irritation, and even illness, plus it wears out faster.
The good news: keeping it clean takes 30 seconds.

Here is the routine our dental lab recommends.

Quick Summary

  • Rinse after every use
  • Air dry completely
  • Deep clean weekly
  • Store in protective case
  • Never use boiling water
  • Never use bleach or alcohol
  • Never leave in a hot place

Never Use

Not everything is safe for your mouthguard.

Boiling Water

Boiling Water

Heat warps and can thin the material

Dishwasher

Dishwasher

High heat will deform your guard

Hot Car or Direct Sun

Hot Car or Direct Sun

Heat warps and weakens the materials

Abrasive Toothpaste

Abrasive Toothpaste

Micro-scratches give bacteria a home

Bleach or Alcohol

Bleach or Alcohol

Degrades, discolors, and weakens the material

Custom-Fit VS Boil-and-Bite

Not all mouthguards are the same.

Custom-Fit

  • Dental-grade materials
  • Stays secure in place
  • Built for daily use
  • Better comfort and protection

Boil-and-Bite

  • Breaks down over time
  • Wears down faster
  • Offers less protection
  • Needs frequent replacing

Storage

Store it right. Protect your investment.

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Always store in a ventilated case.

Vents let air circulate so it dries fully between uses.

storage-image

Don’t store loose in a gym bag.

It collects bacteria and get crushed or damaged.

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Keep it away from dogs & pets.

They love mouthguards, and a chewed custom guard is not repairable.

When to Replace

Replace your mouthguard if you notice any these:

Fit feels loose or different

Material is cracked, torn, or worn down

Odor or buildup that won’t clean off

TRUFIT Customers

Your dental scan is saved, so a fresh guard is a one-click reorder — no new impression needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I clean my TRUFIT mouthguard?

    Refer to the information on this page for cleaning tips & tricks

  • Can I use denture tablets?

    Yes, in cool water per the package — a good deep-clean option.

  • Can I soak it in mouthwash?

    Skip alcohol-based mouthwash — alcohol degrades and discolors guard material over time.

  • Can I put a mouthguard in the dishwasher?

    Never. Heat warps any mouthguard — dishwashers, boiling water, and hot cars all do the same damage.

  • How often should I clean my mouthguard?

    Rinse and spray after every use; use cleaning tablets weekly; deep-clean monthly.

  • My mouthguard smells even after cleaning — now what?

    Persistent odor after a deep clean means embedded bacteria — replace the guard.

  • Do I need to clean the case too?

    Yes — wash the case weekly with soap and water and let it dry open, or the case can re-contaminate the guard.