5 Signs Your Mouthguard Is Causing Bad Breath — and How to Fix It
Has this happened to you? You wake up refreshed, no work alerts. After your usual routine — mouthguard off, teeth brushed — you ease into your slow morning.
But then, a weird smell creeps in. You look around… nothing.
Until you realize it’s not around you, it’s you.
You cup your hand to your mouth. Yup. That funk? It stuck around.
If you’re brushing regularly but still catching a whiff of something funky, it could be a dirty mouthguard smell. Before we dive into five signs you might have a smelly mouthguard and how to fix it, let’s talk about how it can actually cause bad breath.
Do Mouthguards Make Your Breath Smell?
5 Signs Your Bad Breath is Caused by Your Mouthguard
Bad breath isn’t always caused by your mouthguard — it can also come from poor oral hygiene or certain foods. But if you think you’re dealing with a smelly mouthguard, here are 5 signs it could be the source of that persistent odor:
Lingering Odor
If your mouthguard still smells funky after cleaning, bacteria or material breakdown could be the reason.
Worsening Breath
If your breath gets worse while using your mouthguard, it may be trapping odor-causing bacteria.
Sour Taste
A lingering sour or metallic taste might signal bacterial buildup or a degrading guard.
Persistent Bad Breath
Still have bad breath even after cleaning? A poor fit or underlying dental issue might be to blame.
More Plaque
Seeing more plaque or buildup on your teeth? Your guard might need deeper cleaning — or a full replacement.
Not sure if your breath smells off? Check out the simple breath tests in this blog: Bad Breath 101: What It Means, What Causes It, and What You Can Do
How to Clean Your Mouthguard (and Keep Bad Breath Away)
To keep your mouthguard clean and ensure you wouldn’t get two costly replacements within a month, it’s important to stick to a mouthguard hygiene routine. UCI Student Health Center recommends that a mouthguard should be cleaned at least once a month to prevent odor and bacteria buildup.
No worries, cleaning a mouthguard doesn’t require much! The best way to clean a mouthguard is by using a soft-bristle toothbrush and antimicrobial soap. Avoid using a hard-bristle brush or abrasive formulas, as these can create tiny holes in your mouthguard, turning it into a breeding ground for bacteria.
For a more detailed and step-by-step instructions on cleaning a night guard, try giving this a read: Pro Tips: Best Way To Clean A Mouth Guard
Say Goodbye to Smelly Mouthguards with ClearClub’s Help
Worrying about bad breath all the time isn't just frustrating. It can chip away at your confidence, especially in social situations. The good news is ClearClub has your back.
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Our Cleaning + Whitening Foam does two things at once: it helps whiten your teeth and keeps your mouthguard or retainer free from odor-causing bacteria. It's safe for daily use, gentle on sensitive teeth, and even safe to swallow — no rinsing needed.
If you’re in need of a more reliable, long-lasting, and budget-friendly mouthguard replacement, check out our wide range of custom-fit options — from near-invisible night guards to bold, multi-colored designs, and even sports guards.
To make things easier, you can also subscribe to our renewal plan for regular replacements (no more remaking impressions!) and enjoy extra savings compared to one-time purchases.
Freshen up your breath and your nightguard routine. Shop our best-sellers today!