How to Clean Your Mouthguard with Oral-B iO OrthoEssentials

Quick answer

Use the Oral-B iO OrthoEssentials toothbrush with a soft-bristle head and gentle mode to clean your mouthguard, aligners, or braces without damaging them.

Step-by-step cleaning process

1. Rinse the mouthguard first: Hold your mouthguard under cool running water for 10–15 seconds to remove loose debris and saliva. Do not use hot water, which can warp the material. Always rinse immediately after removal to prevent residue from drying on the surface.
2. Apply a non-abrasive cleaner: Dispense a pea-sized amount of mild liquid soap or a non-abrasive orthodontic cleaner onto the wet mouthguard. Avoid whitening or tartar-control toothpaste, as the abrasives can scratch the appliance. Check the product label for warnings about abrasive ingredients like silica or calcium carbonate.
3. Select the Sensitive mode on your Oral-B iO: Press the mode button on your Oral-B iO OrthoEssentials handle until Sensitive or Gum Care is selected. These modes provide a gentler brushing motion that protects both your appliance and your gums. If your handle does not have a Sensitive mode, use Intense only for heavy buildup and limit contact to 15 seconds per side.
4. Gently brush the entire appliance: With the brush head still off (or using a dedicated soft-bristle head), lightly scrub the inside and outside of the mouthguard for 30 seconds. Pay extra attention to crevices where plaque accumulates. Do not press hard—let the brush do the work. Over-brushing with pressure can create micro-scratches that harbor bacteria. A light touch is key.
5. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry: Rinse the mouthguard under cool water for 20 seconds to remove all soap and debris. Pat it dry with a clean towel or let it air-dry on a clean surface. Store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth. Never store a damp mouthguard in a sealed case—this encourages mold and odor.

Product facts

• Oral-B + Crest iO OrthoEssentials Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush System: Oral-B iO OrthoEssentials offers 5 modes: Daily Clean, Whitening, Gum Care, Sensitive, and Intense. The Sensitive or Gum Care mode is the safest choice for cleaning mouthguards and aligners, as it reduces the risk of scratching or damaging the appliance.