Why Does My Night Guard Smell?
You don’t mind putting onions, garlic, and other tasty foods in your mouth, but you draw the line at your night guard when it starts to smell. It’s understandable; this helpful oral appliance never had an odor before, so this new development is concerning, to say the least.
Why is your night guard suddenly rivaling broccoli for the most pungent odor?
What’s a Night Guard Supposed to Smell Like?
First, let’s make it clear. A night guard isn’t odor-free. Depending on the material it’s made from, it likely has a very subtle plastic-type odor. This scent shouldn’t be overly noticeable or stomach-turning, and it may go away (or you’ll get used to it) within a few days. Think of it like that new-car smell: It indicates a fresh night guard!
But when the odor begins to turn rancid or strong, something’s up that shouldn’t be. This is especially problematic if the odor is accompanied by visible signs of damage, such as cloudiness, white marks, or yellowing of the plastic. Let’s dive into the ways your night guard might smell that shouldn’t happen.
Sour and Musty Smells
Does your night guard smell like a well-used dish towel? That sour, stale odor is a good sign that there’s too much bacterial buildup. This growth leaves a thin layer of biofilm on the surface, giving you a gym locker-like aroma.
To get rid of it, you need to give your guard a good cleaning. This article by JS Dental Lab has multiple options, from a light scrub with mild soap to a deep cleaning with an ultrasonic LED cleaner. Whichever option you choose, as long as you regularly clean your night guard, it’s not too late to eliminate the rotten egg odor (and keep it gone for good).
Metallic or Bitter Smells
Another common smell night guard users complain of is a metallic or bitter odor. Usually, this type of issue points to a night guard that’s beginning to degrade or to mineral buildup, such as tartar and plaque.
Night guards are the solution for bruxism, so your guard is strong enough to withstand your teeth grinding and jaw clenching up to a point. Eventually, the grinding damage can create microcracks in your oral splint that harbor bacteria.
Yes, you can still wear the night guard, even with the smell, but every time you do, it causes a little more damage, and bacteria continue to grow and thrive. Getting rid of the odor isn’t as easy here because of the cracks. When you notice a bitter, metallic tang to your night guard, it’s usually time to invest in a new one.
Sulfur-Like Odors
There’s the smelly night guard you can deal with, and then there’s the rotten egg stench. When your guard reaches this level, it’s likely caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) or bacteria in the mouth. The overload of these microorganisms feeds on food debris and saliva, causing rotten-egg-like odors. In fact, VSCs are linked to halitosis (bad breath) and periodontal disease.
Your mouth is the ideal environment for bacteria to breed and thrive. It’s dark, warm, and moist, and if you don’t clean it often enough, or you eat sugary and acidic foods, the bacterial colony creates plaque and tartar.
This effect also happens if your diet is amazing, your oral hygiene habits are on point, but you don’t clean your guard frequently, or you store it without drying it thoroughly first.
A sulfur-smelling guard doesn’t automatically go in the trash, but you shouldn’t keep wearing it. The bacteria in the guard won’t stay there all night. While you’re sleeping, they’ll continue to feed, eroding your teeth and damaging your gums.
First, try a deep cleaning with an ultrasonic cleaner, a baking soda paste mixture, or a vinegar cleanse (see the above article by JS Dental Lab for more details). If those solutions don’t help, and your night guard is still gag-worthy, don’t wait. Order a new one right away.
Conclusion
Night guards don’t have a permanent shelf life, but when you purchase high-quality, professional oral appliances, you can expect them to last a year or longer if you care for them regularly. However, bacterial buildup, improper storage, microcracks, and general wear can degrade the guard and cause unwanted odors.
When your night guard begins to smell, the type of odor can point to the potential cause. Bacteria-based smells, like musty, stale, or sulfur, might mean your night guards need a thorough deep clean. But metallic and bitter odors usually mean there are cracks in the guard, and it’s time to order a replacement as soon as you can.
