What is a night guard, and what is this page about?
A night guard is a removable appliance worn mainly to reduce wear from clenching or grinding. Dentists often call it an occlusal splint, bite splint or night mouthguard. The Australian Dental Association describes an occlusal splint as custom-made hard plastic that fits over the upper or lower teeth, covers only part of the teeth (not the gums), and is different from a sports mouthguard (teeth.org.au). Healthdirect notes that a custom-made mouthguard (known as an occlusal splint) can help protect the teeth (healthdirect).
This page is about day-to-day care of a custom night guard you already wear. It is not a guide to why people grind, and it is not about sports mouthguards. For habit and causes, see teeth grinding at night: what to know. For contact-sport protection, see sports mouthguards: custom vs boil-and-bite. Those posts complement this one; they are not the same topic.
A night guard does not stop grinding itself (teeth.org.au; Better Health Channel). It also does not diagnose sleep apnoea or jaw-joint disorders, and it is not a promise that every tooth or jaw problem is prevented forever. Follow the wear and cleaning advice from the clinician who made your appliance.
How should you clean a night guard after wearing it?
After you take the guard out, rinse it under cool water to clear saliva and debris. The ADA advises brushing an occlusal splint with soft liquid soap, a spare toothbrush and cool water, cleaning both the inside and outside surfaces (teeth.org.au). Some clinics also allow a non-abrasive paste if your dentist has said that suits your appliance.
Rinse again after cleaning. Then air-dry the guard before you put it away. Leaving it wet in a sealed bag traps moisture and can leave a lingering smell. Ask at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake which cleaner suits your guard — clinic-approved options are fine, and we do not push particular brand names as the only method.
Keep brushing your own teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth as usual. Removable appliances come out so you can clean your mouth properly before the guard goes back in.
How should you dry and store a night guard?
Store the dry guard in a clean, rigid case that allows some airflow. The ADA advises keeping an occlusal splint dry in a protective case (teeth.org.au). Avoid leaving it wrapped in a tissue, loose in a bag, or sealed while still wet.
Keep the case and the guard away from pets — especially dogs, which often chew plastic appliances — and out of reach of small children. A chewed or missing guard cannot do its job until it is checked or remade.
Why keep a night guard away from heat?
Plastic night guards can warp if they meet heat. Do not use hot water, boiling water or a dishwasher on the appliance. Use cool water for rinsing and cleaning unless your dentist has told you otherwise (teeth.org.au). Direct sunlight on a car dashboard or similar heat sources can also distort the shape.
If the guard no longer seats the way it used to after heat exposure, do not force it for another night. Phone the clinic for advice. A warped fit can feel tight or loose and may put uneven pressure on teeth.
Bring the guard to dental visits — and when to call sooner
Bring your night guard to routine check-ups and cleans so the dentist can check fit and wear marks. The ADA advises taking an occlusal splint to routine examinations to confirm it is still working properly, and notes that a splint that no longer fits, is bent out of shape, worn or broken will need review or replacement (teeth.org.au). Dental work that changes tooth shape — such as a new crown — may also mean the guard needs adjusting or remaking.
Phone AMK Dental Clinic before forcing another night in the appliance if:
- it cracks, chips or will not seat
- it feels suddenly tight or loose
- you notice new jaw or tooth pain you link to wearing it
- a strong smell remains after thorough cleaning and drying
Do not reshape the plastic with household heat or glue. Bring the guard (or what is left of it) to the appointment.
Night guards are not sports mouthguards
A custom night guard / occlusal splint is made for grinding and clenching protection during sleep or as your dentist advises. A sports mouthguard is a separate appliance for training and games. The ADA is clear that an occlusal splint is different from a sports mouthguard (teeth.org.au).
Do not use a boil-and-bite sports guard as a stand-in night guard. If you need sport protection, see sports mouthguards: custom vs boil-and-bite. If you want background on grinding habits and signs, see teeth grinding at night: what to know. Removable retainers after braces are another appliance type with their own care routine — see looking after orthodontic retainers if that is what you wear.
Asking about night-guard care at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137. We serve Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
For advice about cleaning, fit, smell or replacement of a night guard you already wear, book online or call (02) 9739 6525. Bring the guard and any written care notes if you have them. Booking steps are in how to book an appointment at AMK. Opening hours are on the Contact page.
This page is general information only — not a personal diagnosis, sleep study, or treatment plan. Ask the clinician who made your appliance, or the team at AMK Dental Clinic, what suits your mouth.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a removable appliance — often called an occlusal splint, bite splint or night mouthguard — worn mainly to reduce wear from clenching or grinding. The Australian Dental Association describes an occlusal splint as custom-made hard plastic that fits over the upper or lower teeth and is different from a sports mouthguard. Healthdirect notes a custom-made mouthguard (occlusal splint) can help protect the teeth. This page is about looking after one you already wear, not diagnosing why you grind.
How should I clean my night guard after wearing it?
Rinse it after you take it out. The ADA advises brushing an occlusal splint with soft liquid soap, a spare toothbrush and cool water on the inside and outside surfaces. Some clinics also allow a non-abrasive paste if your dentist has said so. Rinse again, then air-dry before casing. Ask AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake which cleaner suits your appliance — we do not promote particular brands.
Can I use hot water or the dishwasher on a night guard?
No. Keep the appliance away from heat. Hot water, boiling water and dishwashers can warp plastic so the guard no longer fits. The ADA advises cool water when brushing the splint, and storing it dry in a protective case. If the fit suddenly feels wrong after heat exposure, phone the clinic before forcing another night in it.
Does a night guard stop grinding or cure jaw problems?
No. The ADA explains that a splint protects teeth from wear and can reduce some muscle and jaw-joint strain, but it will not stop you from grinding. Better Health Channel likewise notes that a bite splint usually helps with symptoms rather than stopping grinding. This page does not diagnose sleep apnoea or jaw-joint disorders, and it does not claim the guard prevents all tooth or jaw damage forever.
When should I phone the clinic about my night guard?
Bring the guard to routine dental visits so fit and wear marks can be checked. Phone before forcing another night in it if it cracks, feels suddenly tight or loose, causes new jaw or tooth pain, or keeps a strong smell after cleaning. The ADA says a splint that no longer fits, is bent, worn or broken needs review or replacement. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, call (02) 9739 6525 or use the contact page.