Are you wondering how you can thoroughly clean your Nightguard? You’re at the right spot! You may maintain the best possible oral health by keeping your Nightguard clear of dirt and bacteria by sticking to a basic cleaning routine. This blog will walk you through the cleaning process of Nightguards so that you have the healthiest oral hygiene.
What is a Nightguard?
Wearing a mouth guard is intended to protect teeth and preserve oral health. Mouth guards, sometimes referred to as sports guards or night guards, cover the upper teeth and keep them apart from the lower ones. They can help people with sleep bruxism, a disorder that causes them to clench or grind their teeth while they sleep.
How Do You Clean a Mouthguard?
It’s important to clean your Nightguard since you put it in your mouth, where germs that can cause tooth decay can develop. Bacteria can grow and lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and foul breath if the area is not cleaned. Here’s how you can clean your Nightguard:
Rinse After Every Use
After each use, rinse your mouth guard immediately with warm, not hot, water. This will remove dirt and prevent tooth plaque from accumulating on it.
Clean Your Mouthguard
You may clean your mouthguard in a variety of ways with items you already have at home. Keeping a different toothbrush for this purpose is the best way to prevent bacterial cross-contamination. Your mouthguard may be cleaned every day using the following methods:
- Toothpaste: Use a soft bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to gently brush your mouthguard after rinsing it in cold water. After rinsing off the toothpaste, place your mouthguard on a level surface to air dry.
- Water and Soap: Brush your mouthguard lightly with a toothbrush after rinsing it in cold water and using a tiny bit of soap. Once washed, allow your mouthguard to air dry.
- Mouthwash: To prevent harm to your mouthguard, use mouthwash without alcohol. Rinse your mouthguard with cool water, then fill a clean glass with a cupful of mouthwash and dilute it with water until it covers your mouthguard. After 30 minutes of soaking, take it out and give it a quick water rinse. Allow your mouthguard to dry naturally.
Keep Your Nightguard in Case
To avoid damage, keep your mouth guard in a case while not in use. Although many people keep their guards in their bathrooms, the steam and moisture in the space might eventually cause the guards to become brittle. Store it on your bedroom or nightstand and in a dry location away from extremes of heat or cold instead of in your bathroom.
Summing Up!
A clean night guard makes sleep more pleasant and peaceful in addition to providing the best possible dental health. You should clean your night guard after every use and try to keep it in the case.
If you have a habit of grinding teeth while sleeping, consult our expert dentist, Dr. Viraj Shah, at Integrity Dental, about getting a night guard. Call us at (586) 977-0300 to book your appointment today!