If your dentist has provided you with a night guard to keep bruxism pain at bay, keep in mind to maintain it so that your instrument lasts long. Learning how to adequately clean your night guard is very important to attain maximum benefits. Fortunately, the steps are quite simple. Take this blog as your initial guide to properly wash and store your night guard.
- Rinse Night Guard after Use
Make sure you keep the night guard under warm running water to clean it thoroughly. This step should be the first thing to do right after taking them off to eliminate debris and prevent dental plaque from accumulating on them. - Cleaning Night Guard
You can use multiple supplies to wash your night guard squeaky clean at home. We suggest keeping a separate toothbrush. This step ensures the least chance of bacteria cross-contamination. You can use these options to wash your night guard:-
- Toothpaste
Rinse your oral tray in lukewarm water and then gently start brushing it with the help of a soft bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Later, give it another round of rinse to wash off the toothpaste, then let it dry.
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- Soapy Water
Get an alcohol-free soap and a toothbrush for this method. Start with a thorough rinse, and then put a tiny amount of soap in your night guard and clean it with a brush. Next, repeat the rinse and let it air dry.
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- Baking Soda
This ingredient is found in almost every household and is a great way to remove debris and bad odors from your night guard tray. In a clean bowl, create a paste, dip a toothbrush into it, and gently brush the gunk off. Rinse and let your night guard air dry.
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- Mouthwash
Ensure you select an alcohol-free version of the mouthwash to avoid damage. Rinse in water and add a bit of mouthwash in a glass full of water to dilute it and submerge your night guard in it. Let it soak for about 30 minutes, then remove and rinse with water.
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- Deep Clean Your Night Guard Every Month
You can use OTC cleaners to deep clean your night guard. Soak them with some water following the product’s instructions. However, make sure you do not surpass the time frame already mentioned. Soaking your night guard tray in the cleaning agent for too long can damage them. - Properly Store your Night Guard
Keep it secure in case you are done with a thorough cleaning. It not only protects your trays but also makes you less likely to lose or damage them. Plus, do not forget to clean your night guard storage box as well.
Closing Note
We hope that this blog catered to most of your questions and confusions regarding night guards and ways to maintain them. You can contact Saifee Family Dentistry at (281) 350-5600 to learn more about what we have in store for you and how Dr. Husein Alibhai, an active member of the American Dental Association, can help you find the solution for your teeth-grinding problem. For details, visit us at our dental office.