We've all been there, you take out your nightguard in the morning or reach for your mouthguard before training, and there's that slightly musty smell that makes you pull a face. Or perhaps you've noticed your retainer or dentures doesn't feel quite as fresh as it should. The good news? Looking after your mouthguard, retainer, nightguard or dentures doesn't need to be complicated, and you certainly don't need a cupboard full of different products.
At OPRO, we've spent years perfecting cleaning solutions for sports mouthguards worn by athletes across the UK and beyond. But here's something many people don't realise: the same gentle, effective cleaning products work brilliantly for retainers, dentures, nightguards and aligners too. Whether you're a rugby player, someone who grinds their teeth at night, or caring for dentures, keeping them fresh is easier than you might think.
Why Cleaning Your Mouthguard, Retainer, or Dentures Is So Important
Let's be honest, it's tempting to give your mouthguard or retainer a quick rinse under the tap and call it a day. But here's the thing: every time you wear one, it's exposed to bacteria from your mouth. Left unchecked, those bacteria multiply, creating that unpleasant odour and potentially affecting your oral health.
Think of it this way: you wouldn't wear the same pair of socks day after day without washing them, would you? Your mouthguard, retainer, nightguard or dentures deserve the same consideration. Beyond the obvious ick factor, proper cleaning helps reduce microbial contamination that can lead to bad breath, gum irritation or even oral infections. For denture wearers, this is particularly important as poor hygiene can contribute to denture stomatitis, an inflammation of the tissues under the denture.
Regular cleaning also tackles stubborn stains and extends the life of your appliance, whether it's an expensive orthodontic retainer or a well-fitted nightguard you rely on for comfortable sleep. Without adequate cleaning, mouthguards, retainers, nightguards and dentures can become discoloured and dull over time, losing their fresh appearance.
Can One Cleaner Really Work for Mouthguards, Retainers, and Dentures?
Here's where it gets interesting. You might assume that cleaning a sports mouthguard requires something different from what you'd use for dentures or retainers. In reality, what all these appliances need is remarkably similar: a cleaning solution that's gentle enough not to damage the material, yet powerful enough to eliminate bacteria, remove odours and prevent staining.
OPRO Cleaning Tablets are designed with this versatility in mind. The advanced formula that keeps a rugby mouthguard fresh after a muddy match works equally well for nightguards worn through the night, orthodontic retainers, clear aligners and dentures. In fact, OPRO Cleaning Tablets work wonders on all oral appliances, making life simpler if you've got multiple appliances in the household, or if your needs change over time.
The key is using a cleaner specifically designed for mouthguards, retainers, nightguards and dentures rather than improvising with household products. Harsh chemicals, bleach or abrasive toothpaste can damage the material, cause discolouration or leave residues that aren't safe to put back in your mouth. Purpose-made cleaners are pH-balanced and tested for safety, giving you peace of mind alongside proper hygiene.
How to Clean Your Mouthguard, Retainer, or Nightguard: Step-by-Step Routine
The best cleaning routine is one you'll actually stick to, so let's keep this straightforward. Here's what works, whether you're dealing with a mouthguard, retainer, denture or nightguard:
The Daily Quick Clean
After each use, rinse your appliance thoroughly under cool running water. This removes loose debris and prevents it from drying on. Use your fingers to gently rub the surfaces, you'd be surprised how much this simple action helps.
For a proper daily clean, simply drop an OPRO Cleaning Tablet into a container of water. Pop your appliance in and let it soak. The bright blue tablet works swiftly to eliminate bacteria, tackle stubborn stains and freshen your mouthguard, retainer or denture without any harsh scrubbing. Your appliance will be revitalised in minutes, leaving a refreshing minty taste that makes wearing it pleasant again. This makes it an easy habit to build into your morning or evening routine.
The Weekly Deep Clean
Once a week, give your appliance a bit more attention. After the tablet soak, use a soft brush (a dedicated appliance brush or soft toothbrush works well) to gently clean all surfaces, including any grooves or hard-to-reach areas. Rinse thoroughly afterwards. For dentures, this weekly routine helps prevent stubborn staining and keeps them looking their best.
Quick Freshness On the Go
For between-use freshness or when you're away from home, OPRO Disinfectant Spray is ideal. This compact 50ml bottle fits easily in your gym bag, handbag, travel case or bathroom cabinet, providing around 150 uses. Simply rinse your mouthguard, retainer or nightguard with clean water, spray evenly across all surfaces, leave to dry completely, then rinse again before use. The fresh mint flavour leaves your appliance feeling clean and hygienic, whilst helping to reduce microbial contamination wherever you are.
Chemical-Free and Advanced Cleaning Options
For those who prefer a chemical-free approach or need rapid sanitising straight after use, the OPRO UV Cleaning Case offers an innovative solution. Using three powerful UV-C and UV-A lights, this compact and lightweight case eliminates 99.99% of viruses and bacteria in under three minutes. It's perfect for popping in your sports bag. The UV case works brilliantly for mouthguards, retainers and other oral appliances, offering convenient sanitising without any liquids or waiting around.
UV Sanitising: Fast, Water-Free Hygiene
For the ultimate in thorough, professional-level cleaning, the OPRO Ultrasonic UV Cleaner brings dental lab cleaning power to your home. This clever device uses ultrasonic technology to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria and lift stubborn stains in just 5 minutes. It's chemical-free, destroys odour-causing bacteria, and prevents the discolouration that can make them look dull over time. The one-button operation couldn't be simpler, just add water, press power, and let the ultrasonic waves do the work. Despite its clinical-grade performance, the compact design makes it easy to use at home, perfect for mouthguards, retainers and nightguards that need a deeper, more powerful clean.
Drying and Storage
After cleaning, shake off excess water and leave your appliance to air-dry on a clean surface or in a ventilated case. Never store a damp mouthguard, retainer or nightguard in a sealed container moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Dentures should be kept moist when not being worn, so follow your dentist's specific storage guidance.
For added protection between uses, consider the OPRO Antimicrobial Mouthguard Case. Developed in partnership with Biomaster, world leaders in antimicrobial product protection, this case inhibits bacterial growth by up to 99.99% and is even effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA. The antimicrobial protection is odour and taste free, providing permanent product protection that keeps your mouthguard, nightguard or retainer fresh and safe, whether it's in your kit bag or on your bedside table.
Everyday Tips to Keep Things Fresh
Beyond the basic cleaning routine, a few simple habits make a real difference:
Clean your case regularly too. Your appliance case or denture container can harbour bacteria just as easily. You can use OPRO Cleaning Tablets to freshen your case — simply drop one in water with your case for a thorough clean. Alternatively, give it a weekly wash with warm soapy water and let it dry completely. For a quick refresh, OPRO Disinfectant Spray works well on cases too. Better still, upgrade to an OPRO Antimicrobial Mouthguard Case for ongoing protection that inhibits bacterial growth by up to 99.99%, keeping your appliance feeling fresh between cleans.
Don't forget to rinse before you wear it. Even after cleaning, give your appliance a quick rinse before popping it back in your mouth. This removes any residual cleaning solution and ensures you get the full benefit of that crisp minty flavour.
Keep it away from heat. High temperatures can warp mouthguards, retainers and nightguards, so avoid hot water, direct sunlight, radiators and car dashboards. Stick to cool or lukewarm water for rinsing and cleaning.
Stay consistent. The difference between a fresh, pleasant-smelling appliance and one that makes you wrinkle your nose usually comes down to regular care. Making cleaning part of your daily routine like brushing your teeth means it becomes second nature.
Replace when needed. Even with excellent care, mouthguards, retainers and nightguards don't last forever. Check regularly for signs of wear, cracks or changes in fit, and replace as recommended by your dentist or orthodontist.
One Solution for the Whole Family
What makes OPRO cleaning products particularly practical is their versatility across different needs. Perhaps you wear a nightguard for teeth grinding, your teenager has a retainer from orthodontic treatment, and your partner plays hockey at weekends. Rather than juggling different cleaning products, you can use the same trusted solution for all three.
This isn't just convenient, it's reassuring to know you're using products from a brand with decades of experience in mouthguard and oral care. OPRO has been protecting smiles in sports since 1997, and that expertise extends naturally to retainers, nightguards, dentures and aligners. The same attention to safety, effectiveness and quality that professional athletes rely on is available for everyday oral hygiene needs.
OPRO's cleaning range offers flexibility to suit different lifestyles, budgets and preferences. With 36 tablets in each pack of OPRO Cleaning Tablets, you've got an ample supply for regular deep cleans at home. The OPRO Disinfectant Spray offers around 150 uses from its compact bottle, perfect for freshening up when you're out and about. For rapid chemical-free sanitising, the OPRO UV Cleaning Case delivers results in under three minutes — ideal for busy athletes. And if you want clinical-grade cleaning power at home, the OPRO Ultrasonic UV Cleaner provides the same professional standard as dental labs, removing stains and bacteria in just 5 minutes with effortless one-button operation.
To complete your appliance care routine, the OPRO Antimicrobial Mouthguard Case provides ongoing protection between cleans, inhibiting bacterial growth and keeping your mouthguard, nightguard, retainer or snore guard fresh wherever you store it.
Making Appliance Care Part of Your Routine
Looking after your mouthguard, retainer, denture or nightguard doesn't need to feel like a chore. With the right products and a simple routine, you can keep any of them fresh, clean and bacteria-free without spending ages scrubbing or worrying about whether you're using the right solution.
The key is finding a cleaning system that works for your lifestyle and sticking with it. Whether that's dropping a tablet in water while you shower, keeping the disinfectant spray handy for quick freshening between uses, using UV technology for rapid sanitising on the go, or investing in ultrasonic cleaning for professional-grade results at home, making cleaning part of your daily habits means your appliance stays hygienic and pleasant to wear day after day.
A clean mouthguard, retainer or nightguard can boost your confidence too — knowing your oral appliance is fresh and bacteria-free means one less thing to worry about, whether you're stepping onto the pitch, heading to bed, or simply getting on with your day.
Ready to simplify your oral care? Explore OPRO's range of cleaning tablets and sprays designed to keep mouthguards, retainers, dentures, nightguards and aligners fresh and bacteria-free. Because every smile deserves proper care, whether you're on the pitch or getting a good night's sleep.
