"Hmm, interesting...but aren't you worried about long-term effects you might not notice right away?"
That's actually a really valid concern. Peroxide can be effective for disinfecting, but you're right to be cautious—some materials used in mouthguards can degrade over time with repeated exposure to strong solutions. I've seen cases where frequent soaking in peroxide or harsh cleaners caused the material to become brittle or discolored faster than usual. Gentle soap and water is honestly a solid choice, especially if you're already getting 6-8 months out of yours—that's pretty good longevity!
If you're noticing wear around that timeframe, it's probably just normal wear and tear from nightly grinding or clenching. Everyone's bite force and habits are different, so some people naturally go through them quicker. You're definitely not being overly cautious; it's smart to protect your investment and your kid's oral health. If you ever feel unsure, sticking to mild cleaning methods is usually the safest bet.
"Gentle soap and water is honestly a solid choice, especially if you're already getting 6-8 months out of yours—that's pretty good longevity!"
Yeah, that's been my experience too. I've tried peroxide before, but honestly noticed the mouthguard got kinda brittle quicker. Soap and water seems to do the trick just fine—no issues yet.
Interesting that peroxide made yours brittle—I hadn't thought about that. I've mainly stuck with soap and water too, but now I'm curious if anyone's tried those denture cleaning tablets? They're supposed to be gentle yet effective...wondering if they'd prolong the lifespan or just end up wearing down the material quicker. Might give it a shot next time around, just to compare.
I've actually tried denture tablets a few times, and honestly, they're pretty decent. Didn't notice any brittleness or weird texture afterward, and it definitely felt cleaner than just soap and water. But I can't say for sure if it actually extended the lifespan...hard to measure something like that, right? Still, worth a shot if you're curious. Plus, watching them fizz is oddly satisfying, haha. Anyone else secretly enjoy that part?
I've noticed the fizzing too—it's oddly calming, isn't it? Glad to hear the denture tablets worked well for you. I've been hesitant to try them myself, worrying about potential damage or weird aftertaste, but your experience is reassuring. You're right though, lifespan is tricky to gauge...I guess as long as it feels clean and comfortable, that's what matters most. Thanks for sharing your insight; might finally give it a go next time I clean mine.
