Helpful Care Tips For Dental Night Guards
Dentists often recommend dental night guards for patients who frequently clench or grind their teeth while sleeping or have a condition like sleep apnea. If you and your dentist have decided that a dental night guard is right for you, you should learn how to give your appliance the best care possible. With the proper care, you can prevent damage to your dental night guard and help prolong its lifespan.
Clean Regularly
Since your night guard will be worn in your mouth while you sleep, you'll want to clean the guard regularly to remove the germs that could make you more prone to cavities and other dental problems if you don't perform routine cleanings. The appliance should be rinsed with cold water after you've removed it from your mouth and then cleaned with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste gently. After cleaning, the night guard should be air-dried on a clean, dry surface in an area that doesn't get too hot or humid. Deep cleanings of your night guard should also be performed occasionally, and your dentist can do this for you.
Store in a Case
When you're not wearing or air-drying your night guard after cleaning, the appliance should be stored in a proper case. Dentists usually provide cases that are suitable for storing dental night guards safely, but you should look for a good one if you need to buy your own. It's also best to store the night guard in a case that's well-ventilated to avoid mold and mildew growth. The case will also need to be cleaned every few days with a mild dishwashing or castile soap so that it's hygienic enough to store your night guard safely.
Bring Your Appliance to Dental Appointments
Each time you go to the dentist for routine teeth cleanings and checkups, it's recommended that you bring your night guard with you so that your dentist can check its condition. The dentist can look at your appliance closely to see if it's warped or damaged in any other way. The dentist may also recommend adjustments or a night guard replacement depending on the appliance's condition and how comfortable you feel wearing it.
A dental night guard can help save your teeth from damage, so you'll want to make a continuous effort to protect your appliance. Your dentist can tell you more about the advantages of dental night guards along with the proper care tips to help yours last the longest.