Mouthguard Care And Replacement
A custom mouthguard is only as good as the care it gets between training sessions. Heat, sunlight, dirt, and chewing all shorten the life of an otherwise well-made guard. The good news is that the care routine is short — under a minute after each session — and the difference in how long the guard lasts is significant.
HICAPS on the day
Pre-season fittings
At a glance: Rinse, brush gently with no toothpaste, air-dry, store in a ventilated case. Avoid hot cars, dishwashers, and bleach. Most adult guards last a season or more; junior guards need yearly refits as kids grow.
Not your sport? See stick-and-ball sports, contact football codes, combat sports, water sports.
Time to replace or refit your mouthguard?
Or call (07) 3269 6252 · see all sports mouthguard options.
Cleaning
Cleaning after every session
The most important step is to clean the guard as soon as you finish playing. Sweat, saliva, and any food or drink from the bench all sit on the guard if you skip this.
Avoid hot water and boiling water — they distort the shape of the guard. Skip the dishwasher for the same reason.
Weekly deep clean
Weekly deep clean
Once a week, a longer clean keeps odours and bacterial film under control.
Avoid bleach and strong chemical cleaners — they break down the EVA and can be unsafe if not rinsed completely.
Storage
Storage
How you store the guard matters as much as how you clean it.
Signs of wear
Signs the guard needs replacing
A custom guard can usually be replaced before it fails on the field. Watch for:
If you have just had new dental work — a crown, veneer, or filling on a front tooth — the guard may no longer fit accurately. Bring it along to your check-up and clean so we can have a look.
Guard showing wear? Book a check at your next visit.
Lifespan
How long should a custom mouthguard last?
For adults in regular contact sport, a custom guard typically lasts a full season or longer with good care. Combat athletes and heavy bite-clenchers tend to chew through guards faster.
Junior players generally need a new or refitted guard every season because of growth and tooth eruption — sometimes more often. Orthodontic patients need refits as teeth move.
Travel
Travelling with a mouthguard
For away games and tournament weekends:
Common mistakes
Common care mistakes we see
Boiling the guard to “reset” it
Custom guards are pressure-laminated — they cannot be reheated and refit. Boiling distorts them permanently.
Storing it wet in a sealed case
This is where odour and bacteria build up. Dry first, then seal.
Leaving it in a hot car
The material warps quickly above about 60°C — well below the temperature inside a closed car in summer.
Chewing it between plays
Some chewing is unavoidable in combat sports, but habitual chewing during training shortens the guard’s life noticeably.
Cleaning with toothpaste
The abrasives scratch the surface, which creates a haven for bacteria. Use a soft brush and water instead.
Sharing a guard
Guards are made to one set of teeth and should not be shared.
If damaged
What to do if the guard is lost or damaged mid-season
If your guard is lost or damaged before a match, phone the practice and let us know the timeline. Where your digital scan is on file, we can usually order a replacement quickly without needing a fresh scan. A short delay is normal, so it is sensible to:
Payment
Health funds and payment
Sandgate Family Dental is a HICAPS provider. Where your private health fund includes mouthguard rebates, we process the claim at the practice and you only pay the gap. Rebates depend on your policy and annual limits — your fund can confirm before treatment.
FAQs
Care and replacement FAQs
Can I clean my guard with mouthwash?
Most mouthwashes contain alcohol or other ingredients that can dry out and weaken the EVA over time. Stick with mild soap, denture tablets, or a baking soda paste.
How do I get rid of a smell that will not go away?
Persistent odour usually means bacteria have built up in micro-scratches on the surface. A denture tablet soak helps in the short term, but if the smell returns quickly the guard probably needs replacing.
Is it normal for the guard to go cloudy over time?
Yes. The material loses clarity gradually as it ages. Cloudiness alone is not a reason to replace, but combined with thinning or odour it usually is.
What if my guard has marks where I have been chewing?
Light bite marks are normal. Deep marks or holes in the surface are a sign of significant wear and the guard should be replaced.
Can I use a UV steriliser?
UV cleaning devices marketed for retainers and aligners are generally safe for mouthguards, but they do not replace a clean. Use them on top of a rinse and brush.
Do I need to clean a guard differently if I had a cold or flu while wearing it?
Give it a more thorough clean — a denture tablet soak is a good option — and let it air-dry completely before storage. If you have been unwell for a long stretch, replacing the guard at the end of the illness is reasonable.
What if the guard has been chewed by a dog?
Replace it. Dog teeth puncture and crack the material and the guard cannot be safely repaired.
Related pages
Related sports mouthguard pages
Other useful pages: nightguards, check-ups and cleans.
Need a new guard or a fit-check?
Whether your guard is showing wear or you simply want a check at your next visit, we can help.
Or phone Sandgate Family Dental on (07) 3269 6252.