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
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Rinse after every use
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Air dry completely
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Deep clean weekly
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Store in protective case
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Never use boiling water
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Never use bleach or alcohol
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Never leave in a hot place
Daily Routine (30 Seconds)
After every practice or game, follow these four simple steps.
01. Rinse
Rinse the guard under cool water
02. Spray
Give it 2-3 sprays of cleaning spray
03. Shake Off
Shake off any excess water
04. Air Dry
Let your guard air-dry before putting it back in the case.
Tip
Sealing a wet guard in a closed case is how bacteria and mildew can grow
Weekly Deep Clean (2 Minutes)
Once a week, give your mouthguard a deep clean.
Drop a cleaning tablet in a cup of cool water
Add your mouthguard to the water and let sit for 5-10 minutes
Remove from solution, rinse with cold water
Shake off excess water and let air dry
Note
Skip alcohol-based mouthwash soaks — alcohol can degrade and discolor the material over time
Cleaning Essentials Cleaning Essentials
The right tools make it easy.
Mouthguard Case
Protect your guard while traveling
Cleaning Spray
A quick clean anytime, anywhere
Cleaning Tablets (120ct)
Removes stains, odor, and bacteria
Sonic Cleaner
Deep cleans your guard in minutes
Never Use
Not everything is safe for your mouthguard.
Boiling Water
Heat warps and can thin the material
Dishwasher
High heat will deform your guard
Hot Car or Direct Sun
Heat warps and weakens the materials
Abrasive Toothpaste
Micro-scratches give bacteria a home
Bleach or Alcohol
Degrades, discolors, and weakens the material
Custom-Fit VS Boil-and-Bite
Not all mouthguards are the same.
Custom-Fit
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Dental-grade materials
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Stays secure in place
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Built for daily use
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Better comfort and protection
Boil-and-Bite
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Breaks down over time
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Wears down faster
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Offers less protection
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Needs frequent replacing
Storage
Store it right. Protect your investment.
Always store in a ventilated case.
Vents let air circulate so it dries fully between uses.
Don’t store loose in a gym bag.
It collects bacteria and get crushed or damaged.
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.
Get The Perfect Fit Get The Perfect Fit
Everything you need for a custom-fit guard that performs.
TRUFIT Retainer
To Hold Teeth in Place
VaporbiteTM
For Endurance & Strength
TRUFIT Night Guard
For Grinding & Clenching
TRUFIT Whitening
For Whiter Teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I clean my TRUFIT mouthguard?
Refer to the information on this page for cleaning tips & tricks
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Can I use denture tablets?
Yes, in cool water per the package — a good deep-clean option.
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Can I soak it in mouthwash?
Skip alcohol-based mouthwash — alcohol degrades and discolors guard material over time.
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Can I put a mouthguard in the dishwasher?
Never. Heat warps any mouthguard — dishwashers, boiling water, and hot cars all do the same damage.
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How often should I clean my mouthguard?
Rinse and spray after every use; use cleaning tablets weekly; deep-clean monthly.
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My mouthguard smells even after cleaning — now what?
Persistent odor after a deep clean means embedded bacteria — replace the guard.
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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.