wash or brush mouthguard

[akqjt]

Do you guys wash your mouthguard with soap, or brush it with toothpaste?

Toothpaste always seemed more natural to me, since we clean our mouths with toothpaste and not soap. But on the other hand, perhaps the main concern with mouthguards is bacteria, and I don't know that toothpaste is in any way anti-bacterial.

What do you all do?

 

[lowCofG]

I usually put some listerine in the mouthguard, then brush it a bit. rinse a little, but also leave a little listerine in-- minty!

 

[Foolkiller]

I'll rinse it with anti-bacterial soap now and then and then put it in and wear it while using Listerine so I don't get a soapy taste when I next put it in.

 

[WRoutson]

i rinse with cold water after training,i'll brush it once a week.

 

[wildman1717]

I usually put some listerine in the mouthguard, then brush it a bit. rinse a little, but also leave a little listerine in-- minty!

Ditto

 

[hamilton]

just drop it in a cup of scope/listerine and let it chill overnight.
then for the next week or so you will taste minty fresh and your partner wont be able to help but compliment you on your fresh breath during training.

 

[Woob]

wow i feel like a dirty bugger. i never wash mine lol
but then i rarely wear it

 

[mmafanw]

Some people put their mouthguard in a bag of water and then place the bag in the fridge overnight.

 

[vu]

i just rinse it really well after training and before i put it in my mouth

 

[Foppa21]

I heard that after awhile the toothpaste residue will harden. I also heard that mouthwash will weaken the plastic. I'm sure Tom will clear it up and have other suggestions as well.

 

[Centaur]

I remember seeing this before. One person pointed out that leaving your mouth piece in Listerine overnight could dry it out, making it prone to crack. I don't know if that's true or not, but something to consider.

Another person suggested getting the stuff people with braces/retainers use to clean them. That seems to make the most sense.

Or do what I do. Use vodka.

Lots and lots of Vodka usually works for almost every one of life problems.










(yes, I'm just kidding)

 

[Fozzy1]

I only ever rinse mine, haven't had any problems, and a dentist recommended thats all I do.

~Foz

 

[Amy Robinson]

my orthodontist (sp?) told me the best way to clean your mouthguard is to get that efferdent (or whatever its called), the denture cleaning stuff. you soak it over night in it and thats all you have to do. plus its actually reccomended to use for m.g.s too, so it won't damage it at all.

 

[Soid]

Rinse in cold water and put it in the freezer. That's all.

 

[Tizoc]

my orthodontist (sp?) told me the best way to clean your mouthguard is to get that efferdent (or whatever its called), the denture cleaning stuff. you soak it over night in it and thats all you have to do. plus its actually reccomended to use for m.g.s too, so it won't damage it at all.

That would have been my guess as to the best way to clean it. Thanks for the tip.

 

[lowCofG]

never would have thought of that, Amy-- thanks for the advice!

say, does anyone know of any adverse effects to re-boiling & biting a shock dr. gel mouthguard? I have fewer teeth now, and the thing doesn't fit anymore.

I mean, if I have to buy an all new one, fine, but dang it I only had this one a few months!

 

[Amy Robinson]

never would have thought of that, Amy-- thanks for the advice!

say, does anyone know of any adverse effects to re-boiling & biting a shock dr. gel mouthguard? I have fewer teeth now, and the thing doesn't fit anymore.

I mean, if I have to buy an all new one, fine, but dang it I only had this one a few months!

i have one of those and for some reason I couldn't get the right impression after several tries. i kept boiling a bunch of times before it worked and there wasn't a probelm.

it should be fine like mine to re-boil, thats kinda the point of getting a self-boiling one, you can work it until its right.

 

[TomCold]

All the ideas for cleaning the guard are actually right on the money.

Toothpaste will leave a residue over time if not completely cleaned out. I have noticed that the toothpaste will actually scuff the inside of the guard as well because it's a mild polish. Hence tooth polish.

Mouthwashes are great for anti bacterial clensing but if your guard is light colored or clear it may pick up the mouthwash color and stain the guard if left inover night to soak.

Cleaning with mild antibacterial soap and cool water is the least abrasive to the guard.

Cleaning and putting in the fridge still makes me laugh but the cold does retard bacterial growth.

Denture cleaser I have heard of through the dental industry and is great but only leave in the cleanser for about the same time it takes for a shower. Some oxygenating cleanser can work there way in between the layers of custom fitted laminated guards if there are any defects in manufacturing. Though I have never sen or heard of any debonding because of it.

If you can remember, try and rinse of the guard after each use and rinse your mouth out before wearing if you have eaten any food. The food particles can stick to the inside of the guard and cause it to stink.

 

[Tizoc]

Thanks Tom!

wait a second. I know this doesn't have to do with the thread but is that true about Garver 's back being better because of jiu jitsu??

From that episode, it sounded like JJ did help with Garver's rehab.