Night Guard Turning Yellow
4th Dec 2021
Mouthguards are a noninvasive treatment option for bruxism or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). These user-friendly and comfortable clear acrylic oral appliances form a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth that helps to safeguard your smile. Unfortunately, it's very common for yellow stains and discolorations to develop over time. Is your night guard turning yellow? Don't panic. A good cleaning may do the trick. In this article you are going to learn how to remove yellow stains from night guards.
How To Remove Yellow Stains From Night Guards?
Regular cleaning is important to maintain the cleanliness as well as the color of your guard. As Healthline makes clear, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to cleaning your night guard. Is your night guard turning yellow? Then you need to think of regular cleaning. For daily cleaning, try:
- Toothpaste: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the night guard with a nonabrasive toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly, and be sure the appliance is dry before you store it. Be sure not to use hot water, as this can deform the guard
- Baking Soda: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse your night guard, and allow it to dry.
- Soap: Select a mild, alcohol-free soap. An antimicrobial soap, dish soap, or castile soap will work well. Apply the soap with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Mouthwash: Use cool water to rinse your mouthguard. Choose a dish that your night guard will submerge in. Pour in one cap of alcohol-free mouthwash. Then, place your mouthguard in it. Add enough water to cover the appliance. Let it soak for 30 minutes. Drain the dish. Rinse your mouthguard, and allow it to dry.
Every week or two weeks, it is highly recommended that you deep clean your night guard as well. However, it's a matter of balance. Cleaning away bacteria is essential, but frequent use of harsh chemicals could have a negative impact on the durability of your dental device. Generally, monthly deep cleanings are recommended in order to remove yellow stains from night guards. In addition, it's a good idea to perform a deep cleaning after an illness to ensure that no germs are lingering. When it is time for a deep cleaning, you can break out these slightly stronger cleaning agents:
- White Vinegar And Hydrogen Peroxide: This one-two punch starts with a 30-minute vinegar soak. After a refreshing rinse in cool water, follow up with a 30-minute soak in hydrogen peroxide. Then, rinse again before allowing the night guard to dry.
- Denture Cleaners: Over-the-counter denture cleaning solution can be a handy way to deep clean your night guard. Be sure to choose a nonabrasive solution. You will also want to be mindful of any fragrances or dyes. Read the instructions on the packet, but be careful not to soak your night guard too long. Extended exposure may damage your appliance.
Don't neglect your night guard case. Keep your mouthguard case clean and dry as well because bacteria can accumulate there if not cared for properly. Fortunately, cleaning a night guard's case is simple. Just wash it with dish soap and warm water. Then, let it dry thoroughly. Cleaning your night guard's case every few days is generally sufficient.
When Should I Replace My Night Guard?
The cleaning methods mentioned above would help to remove yellow stains from night guards. But nothing lasts forever, including a night guard. There are a few different indicators that could signal it is time for a new night guard:
- Black Spots: If you notice black or greenish-black spots on your night guard, you may have black mold on your night guard. This can be a real health concern, so it is definitely time to replace your night guard.
- Calcium Buildup: Calcium buildup overtime can cause an ill fit and prevent the night guard from doing its job.
- An Unpleasant Odor: If your night guard has developed an unpleasant smell that persists despite a deep cleaning, it's probably a sign that you should replace it.
- Wear: Your night guard absorbs the pressure from teeth grinding as it protects your teeth. If you've been using it for a while, and it's getting worn out, then it may be time for a new one. Signs of wear may be obvious: tears, cracks, or holes. Or, they might be more subtle. It might fit more loosely, be slightly deformed, or be thinner from consistent grinding.
Related Articles:
- How Long Does It Take For A Mouth Guard To Work
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- How to Remove Calcium Buildup on Night Guard?
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- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
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- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
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- Flexible & Soft
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What Causes Discolorations on a Night Guard?
As Oral Care Experts point out, night guards turning yellow or generally dental night guards turn colors when they aren't cleaned off and dried properly before being returned to their case. These conditions create a breeding ground for any of the bacteria that lurk in saliva to build up and flourish. Unfortunately, bacteria buildup doesn't just pose a threat to your night guard. It can also cause bad breath, tooth decay, and a variety of illnesses. That means bacteria have the potential to wreak havoc on both your oral health and your overall health. Cleaning your night guard properly protects both you and your night guard from ill effects.
Night Guard Discoloration
Discoloration on a night guard, retainer, or other dental appliance is not uncommon. When you grind your teeth, your night guard is an essential tool in your dental care toolbox. Knowing how to properly clean and care for this oral appliance protects your health and your investment. Whether you're investing in your first night guard or a replacement, you'll want to check out the selection at Pro Teeth Guard. We offer custom-fit mouthguards online at an affordable price. We make our night guards in a professional dental lab, and every night guard is guaranteed to fit comfortably with our 110% money-back guarantee.
References:
- Nunez, K. (2020). How to clean mouthguards: At home, with chemicals, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-clean-mouthguard
- Oral Care Expert Writing Staff. (n.d.). Why is my night guard turning yellow? tips to prevent discoloration. Oralcareexpert.com. https://oralcareexpert.com/oral-appliances/night-guards/yellow-discoloration/
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
