I've actually found vinegar to be a bit problematic myself, even when diluted. Maybe it's just me, but whenever I've tried it, my mouthguard felt kinda brittle afterward—like it lost a bit of flexibility? Could just be coincidence or maybe the brand I use, but still... made me hesitant to keep using vinegar regularly.
Instead, I've been using denture cleaning tablets (the ones you drop in water), and those have been working really well. They're gentle enough that my guard stays flexible and comfortable, and they definitely get rid of any funky smells or tastes. My guards usually last around two years as well, though I tend to chew on mine a bit during stressful periods, so I guess I'm lucky they survive that long, haha.
Have you ever noticed any texture changes with vinegar at all, or is it just me being overly cautious?
I've noticed something similar with vinegar myself, actually. At first, I thought I was imagining things or being overly cautious, but after a few tries, my mouthguard definitely felt stiffer and less comfortable. It wasn't dramatic, but enough to make me reconsider using vinegar regularly. Maybe it's the acidity reacting with certain materials? I'm no chemist, but it seems plausible.
Funny you mention denture tablets—I switched to those too, and they've been fantastic. They're gentle enough that my guard stays flexible, and they really do help with any weird tastes or odors. Plus, there's something oddly satisfying about watching them fizz in the water... or maybe that's just me being easily entertained, haha.
As for longevity, mine usually last around two years as well, give or take. I have to admit, though, I also have a habit of chewing on mine when I'm stressed or distracted. My dentist always gives me that knowing look when I bring it in for checkups—like, "I see you've had another stressful year." It's become a bit of a running joke between us.
Anyway, you're definitely not alone in noticing texture changes with vinegar. I think it's smart to trust your instincts on this one. Mouthguards aren't exactly cheap, so better safe than sorry, right? Glad you found something else that works well for you.
I've actually been using vinegar on mine for a couple years now and haven't noticed any stiffness or texture changes yet. Maybe it depends on the specific material of the guard? Denture tablets sound interesting though—I might give them a shot just to see if there's any difference. And yeah, chewing on it when stressed... guilty here too, haha. Glad I'm not the only one getting those knowing looks from the dentist.
I've heard vinegar works well for some people, but honestly, I'd be a bit cautious using it long-term. My dentist mentioned that acidic solutions like vinegar can sometimes weaken certain materials over time—even if you don't notice it right away. Maybe your guard is just made from a tougher material though, who knows?
I tried denture tablets myself once or twice, and they did seem to freshen things up nicely without any noticeable issues. But I ended up switching to a mild soap and water routine because I got paranoid about chemicals lingering on something I put in my mouth every night (yeah, anxiety kicking in here...).
And about the chewing thing—totally relatable. My dentist gave me that knowing look too last visit and gently suggested replacing mine sooner rather than later because of all the bite marks. Apparently, even minor chewing can speed up wear and tear significantly.
Anyway, sounds like you're doing fine with your current method, but maybe keep an eye out for subtle changes just in case? Better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to dental stuff...
"I ended up switching to a mild soap and water routine because I got paranoid about chemicals lingering on something I put in my mouth every night (yeah, anxiety kicking in here...)"
Haha, I feel you on the anxiety front. I went through a similar phase when I first got mine—spent way too long googling horror stories about mouthguard care (bad idea, btw). Initially, I tried vinegar too, but after reading about the acidity thing, I chickened out pretty quickly. Now I'm just sticking to gentle soap and water like you mentioned, and honestly, it feels safer mentally.
As for durability, I'm only about six months in and already noticing some tiny bite marks. My dentist said it's normal, but of course my anxious brain immediately started worrying about whether I'm secretly destroying it faster than everyone else. Glad to hear chewing is pretty common though, makes me feel a bit less paranoid. Guess I'll just keep an eye on it and try not to stress too much... easier said than done, right?
