Night Guard Has a Bad Taste? Here’s What To Do

It can take time to adjust to wearing a night guard. Although you might be prepared for your night guard to feel strange for a little while, you may be concerned if your night guard tastes bad. Luckily, we’re here to help! We’ll explain why the the night guard has a bad taste and why the bad taste is nothing to worry about, and we’ll provide steps you can use to reduce or eliminate it.

Why Does My Night Guard Taste Bad?

It’s normal for a new night guard to have a strange taste when you start wearing it. In fact, the taste usually comes from your night guard’s material. For example, if you’re wearing a dental night guard that’s made with acrylics, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and other acrylic compounds may be causing the unpleasant taste.

Although the bad taste can be uncomfortable initially, it’s not harmful. In many cases, the bad taste lessens or completely goes away after several weeks to a month.

How Can I Get Rid of the Bad Taste of a Night Guard?

You may be able to eliminate your night guard’s bad taste with these cleaning and soaking methods:

1. Denture Cleaning Tablets: Soak your dental night guard according to the directions that are included with the tablets. Make sure not to soak your guard for longer than recommended.
2. Baking Soda and Water Solution: Fill a shallow cup or bowl with room-temperature water, add a few pinches of baking soda, and stir to combine. Place your night guard in the solution, and allow it to soak for around eight hours. Next, clean the guard with a toothbrush.
3. Lemon Juice or White Vinegar: These acids may help to break down natural build-up on your night guard. Make sure to dilute the lemon juice or white vinegar with water, and soak your guard for no more than 30 minutes at a time. Soaking it longer could cause the material to break down. When you remove your guard from the solution, brush it with a toothbrush to see if the build-up is gone.

You may need to try more than one of these suggestions to get rid of your night guard’s bad taste. However, make sure that you never soak your night guard in mouthwash. It contains a high concentration of alcohol, and this will damage your guard.

Related Articles:

• How to Remove Calcium Buildup on Night Guard
• How Do I Know if my Night Guard Fits Properly

How Often Should I Clean My Night Guard To Get Rid of the Bad Taste?

If you allow bacterial growth, plaque, and debris to accumulate on your night guard, this could make the mouth guard smell, and the bad taste may get even worse. Make sure to clean your night guard after each use to reduce the risk of unpleasant odors and tastes.

After you take your night guard out of your mouth, rinse it with water, and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. You don’t need to put any toothpaste on the brush. Some toothpastes are abrasive, and they may scratch your night guard. If you wish, you can use a non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your guard.

Next, place your night guard on a clean, flat surface, and allow it to air dry completely. This typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. When you’re sure that your night guard is completely dry, place it in its storage case, and close the lid. Make sure to keep the night guard case dry, and remember to hand wash it with mild dish soap every few days.

In addition to daily cleaning, you’ll need to deep clean your night guard regularly. If possible, a deep clean should be performed at least once a week. You can do this by using the denture cleaner, baking soda, and lemon juice or vinegar solutions we mentioned above.

What Should I Do if the Bad Taste Doesn’t Go Away?

If you’ve tried a few deep cleaning methods and still notice a bad taste after a month, see your dentist for suggestions. He or she may be able to clean your night guard with an ultrasonic cleaner. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this has been helpful for some patients.

Your dentist may determine that your night guard is defective, and replacing it could eliminate the bad taste. In some cases, you might be able to find relief by switching to a night guard that’s made from a different material. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the most appropriate next steps for your situation.

Shop Now

If you’re shopping for a night guard for teeth grinding, consider purchasing yours from Pro Teeth Guard. We create custom mouth guards in a professional dental lab, and we use premium-quality materials. We offer a 110% money-back guarantee with every order so that you can shop with confidence.

Sources:

• Complete Instructions for Cleaning Your Night Guard. (2015). River Run Dental. https://riverrundentalspa.com/instructions-for-cleaning-your-night-guard/.
• New custom night guard smell/tastes like toxic spill. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/TMJ/comments/altwxs/new_custom_night_guard_smelltastes_like_toxic/.