Can a Night Guard Splint Go in the Dishwasher

Author : Dentalclinic | Published Date : 25-07-23

Many people wonder, can a night guard splint go in the dishwasher? It may seem like a convenient option for cleaning, but this question is more complex than it sounds. Your Night Guard Splint in Dubai, also referred to as a dental night guard, mouth guard, or occlusal guard, plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth from bruxism, jaw clenching, and TMJ-related issues. Since it lives in your mouth for hours every night, cleanliness is key—but so is protecting its structure. Before tossing it into your dishwasher with your utensils and plates, it’s important to understand what that could mean for the durability, hygiene, and overall safety of your oral appliance.

Why proper cleaning matters?

A night guard splint is made to fit your mouth precisely and is designed to withstand nightly grinding or clenching. It is not, however, built to endure the extreme heat, harsh detergents, or high-pressure sprays inside a dishwasher. While people search for ways to save time and simplify routines, dishwasher cleaning can do more harm than good.

Putting a dental splint in the dishwasher may cause:

• Warpage from high temperatures

• Breakage of soft or hard components

• Absorption of soap chemicals not meant for oral appliances

• Loss of shape, making the device uncomfortable or unusable

So, if you've asked, “Is it okay to wash my night guard in the dishwasher?”, the short answer is: it’s not recommended if you want to keep your oral guard in safe, working condition.

What could go wrong if you try?

The risks of putting a mouth guard or bruxism night guard in the dishwasher are often underestimated. These devices are crafted from specialized thermoplastic materials, acrylics, or dual-laminate layers—materials that may not hold up well under high heat or prolonged exposure to moisture and chemicals.

Here’s what could happen:

• Deformation: Once your guard warps, it won’t fit properly, causing discomfort or reducing its protective ability.

• Cracks or splits: Harsh jets and heat can make soft guards brittle or cause stress fractures in hard splints.

• Chemical residue: Dishwashing soap contains abrasive agents not designed for oral appliances and may leave harmful residues.

• Bacterial contamination: Ironically, dishwashers aren’t always more sterile—especially if the guard is trapped in utensil compartments.

Still thinking, “But won’t the dishwasher kill germs?” Yes, it might, but at the cost of damaging the device. There are safer, equally effective ways to clean your night guard splint without compromising its integrity.

Safer alternatives for cleaning your night guard:

You don’t need a dishwasher to keep your Night Guard Splint, bite splint, or custom dental appliance clean. The best way to clean these devices is through gentle daily and weekly maintenance.

Daily cleaning routine:

• Rinse with cool or lukewarm water immediately after use.

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive soap.

• Let it air-dry completely on a clean surface or in a ventilated case.

Weekly deep-clean options:

• Soak in a denture cleaning tablet solution.

• Use a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes.

• Disinfect using hydrogen peroxide, then rinse thoroughly.

These methods preserve the shape and function of your night guard splint while eliminating bacteria and odors. No heat, no harsh chemicals—just consistent, gentle care.

Frequently asked questions about dishwashing and night guards:

Can I use the top rack of the dishwasher instead?
While the top rack may be cooler than the bottom, it still exposes the guard to heat and detergent. Even slight warping can render your splint ineffective or uncomfortable.

What if the manufacturer says it’s dishwasher safe?
Always read the label, but most custom night guards, soft dental splints, and dual-layered occlusal guards are not. Some over-the-counter models may be labeled dishwasher safe, but that’s rare and usually not ideal for long-term use.

Can boiling my night guard clean it better?
No—boiling water, like dishwasher heat, can warp or melt the guard. Stick with warm, not hot, cleaning solutions.

What if I’ve already put it in the dishwasher once?
Inspect it carefully. If it no longer fits tightly or feels different in texture, it may be compromised. If it looks intact, begin a safe cleaning routine immediately moving forward.

How should I store my night guard after cleaning it?
Use a ventilated case to keep it dry and avoid bacterial buildup. Avoid sealing it in airtight containers while it’s still damp.

Final thoughts on cleaning methods:

To wrap it up, if you’re still wondering, can a night guard splint go in the dishwasher?, the answer remains a clear no. While it might seem like a quick fix, dishwashing your night guard, bite appliance, or mouth guard can result in serious damage that affects both your comfort and your oral health. The materials these splints are made from are sensitive to heat and detergent—elements found in every dishwasher cycle.

Instead, opt for consistent, gentle cleaning methods that are proven to maintain hygiene without causing damage. Your night guard splint protects your teeth every night—it deserves the same care and attention in return. Clean it the right way, and it will serve you well for a long time.