We use the cleaning tablets too, and honestly, I think they’re way easier than messing around with vinegar or baking soda. My son hates any weird taste, so the tablets have been a win for us. I get being cautious—those guards aren’t cheap to replace. Rinsing right after practice is a must in our house, even if it feels like overkill sometimes.
I’ve wondered about the cleaning tablets—do they actually get rid of that funky smell better than just rinsing? My daughter’s guard always seems to pick up a weird odor even if we’re diligent with cleaning. I’m also curious if anyone’s dentist has ever suggested using mouthwash for extra disinfecting, or if that’s overkill. Sometimes I feel like we’re doing too much, but then again, I’d rather not risk having to buy a new one every season...
I’ve wondered about the cleaning tablets—do they actually get rid of that funky smell better than just rinsing?
In my experience, those tablets do a better job than just water, especially for persistent odors. I’ve had parents use diluted mouthwash once a week too—just don’t soak it too long or it can warp the guard. Rinsing alone usually isn’t enough if there’s already a smell.
- Definitely agree that cleaning tablets outperform plain water, especially once the smell sets in.
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That lines up with what I’ve seen too—once that odor gets into the plastic, it’s stubborn.“Rinsing alone usually isn’t enough if there’s already a smell.”
- I’ve noticed the type of guard matters a bit. Some of the thicker, custom ones seem to trap more bacteria, so they need the extra help from tablets or special cleaners.
- The mouthwash tip is solid, but I’d echo the caution—soaking too long can mess with the fit. I’ve had a few cases where a guard warped and then didn’t sit right.
- For kids who really dislike the taste or smell after cleaning, a quick rinse with cold water after the tablet soak helps a lot.
- If you’re dealing with a really persistent smell, sometimes replacing the guard is the only fix (especially if it’s over a year old or looks cloudy).
You’re on the right track looking for better cleaning options. It’s one of those things that seems minor, but makes a big difference for comfort and keeping the guard in use.
“Rinsing alone usually isn’t enough if there’s already a smell.”
That’s been my experience too, especially with my son’s football guard. It’s wild how fast that plasticky funk sets in if you skip the cleaner even once. I used to just rinse and call it good, but after a few weeks the smell got so bad he refused to wear it. Cleaning tablets made a huge difference—now he doesn’t complain about the taste or odor.
I’m with you on the mouthwash caution, though. I left his guard soaking overnight once and it totally lost its shape. Learned that lesson the hard way... Now I just do a quick soak and rinse with cold water after, like you mentioned. If the guard looks cloudy or still smells off after cleaning, I just replace it. Not worth the hassle of trying to rescue it.
It really does make a difference for kids actually wanting to use their guards. If they’re grossed out, they’ll just “forget” to put them in.