How to Properly Store Custom-Fit Mouth Guards (And Avoid a $1,500 Dental Bill)

Let’s cut the B.S.: You spent $300+ on a custom mouthguard to protect your Venice Beach boxing hustle or Santa Monica night-grinding habit. But toss it loose in your gym bag? It’ll warp, stink, or vanish faster than LA parking spots. I’m Dr. Babak, LA’s go-to oral surgeon for athletes and grinders. Here’s how to store your guard so it lasts 5+ years—not 5 weeks.

Why Your $20 “Storage Hack” is Failing You

Scenario: Your custom guard sits in a Ziploc baggie between sweaty gloves. Two months later, it’s yellow, bent, and smells like In-N-Out’s dumpster.

Stats:

63% of mouthguard damage comes from improper storage.
Warped guards increase tooth fracture risk by 40%.

Fix these 3 mistakes now:

Heat Death: Leaving it in your car near the Culver City stairs? Summer heat warps plastic.
Moisture Mold: Trapped sweat breeds bacteria (hello, thrush).
Crush Test: Loose in a bag = 22% chance of cracks per month.

The LA Pro’s 4-Step Storage Routine (90 Seconds/Day)

1. Post-Workout: Rinse, Don’t Soak

After boxing at Wild Card West? Rinse under cool water (hot water warps).
Use mild soap (Dr. Bronner’s works) + a soft toothbrush.
Never use: Alcohol, bleach, or UV sanitizers (they degrade the guard).

2. Dry Like You’re in Malibu

Pat dry with a microfiber cloth (paper towels scratch).
Air-dry 15 mins on a clean towel (not your gym bench).

3. Store in a Ventilated Case

Our $19 Shock Doctor case (free with our guards) clips to bags.
DIY hack: Poke 5 holes in a Tupperware for airflow.

4. Monthly Deep Clean

Soak in 1:1 white vinegar/water for 10 mins.
Scrub with baking soda paste.

“Followed Dr. B’s steps—my guard still looks new after 3 UFC camps.” – Diego, Downtown LA

Custom Guard vs. Boil-and-Bite: Storage Showdown

Factor	Custom Guard	Drugstore Guard
Heat Tolerance	Withstands 120°F	Warps at 90°F
Bacteria Risk	Non-porous (70% safer)	Traps germs in grooves
Lifespan	5+ years	3 months
Replacement	Free adjustments	$29 every season

5 Storage Zones to Avoid in LA

Glove Compartment (Heat + gas fumes = melted plastic).
Gym Locker (Humidity = mold central).
Back Pocket (Shatters when you sit at Erewhon).
Bathroom Counter (Steam warps it by week 2).
Dog’s Reach (Rover thinks it’s a chew toy).

Pro Tip: Keep a backup case in your car trunk (we include one free).

FAQs: Mouthguard Storage, Odors, & LA Life

“Can I microwave my guard to disinfect it?”

NO. You’ll melt $300 into modern art. Use vinegar soaks instead.

“My guard smells like Venice Boardwalk. Help?”

Soak in 1 tsp tea tree oil + water for 20 mins. Kills 99% of funk.

“Lost my case—what’s a quick fix?”

Use a ventilated takeout container (Tsujita Annex noodles work).

Why 2,100+ Angelenos Trust Us Over “Chain” Dentists

Same-day guard repairs (snapped during sparring? Fixed by lunch).
Free storage cases with every guard (colors: LA Sunset, Blackout).
0% financing ($99 down, $50/month).

Bonus: Free Uber rides (within 5 miles of Santa Monica) for emergency fittings.

“But Doc, I Travel Constantly!”

For LAX frequent flyers:

Portable case with silica gel packs (absorbs moisture).
Hotel hack: Use the ice bucket (clean) for overnight soaking.
TSA-proof: Keep your guard in carry-on—checked bags get frozen.

Ready to Ditch the Gross, Warped Guard?

Click below to book a $49 consult (includes 3D scan + free storage case):
Schedule Now – Santa Monica Clinic

P.S. We’re open Sundays. Because dental emergencies don’t care about your weekend.

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