Unsoiled Appliance: 4 Tips for Maintaining Your Mouthguard

If you suffer from sleep apnea and need help, your dentist is a great place to start. They can provide a customized oral appliance to wear at night which shifts your jaw forward slightly to prevent a blocked airway. Because harmful bacteria can flourish in the hours while you sleep, it’s important to care for it properly so you don’t develop a dental problem. If you’re unsure of the best way to do that, keep reading for 4 helpful tips!

Tip #1: Brush and Floss Before Bed

If you don’t already have a nightly dental hygiene routine, now’s the perfect time to start brushing and flossing before bed. Otherwise, any bits of food, plaque, and bacteria will be trapped tightly against your teeth and gums for the entire night while you sleep. This greatly increases your chances of developing cavities or gum disease which only progress over time. Practicing proper preventative care can help keep your mouth, and nightguard, in good condition.

Tip #2: Scrub Your Appliance Every Morning

Germs tend to thrive at night because there’s nothing there to wash them away. They can form buildup on your mouthguard just as easily as on your teeth and will need to be removed regularly. To do so, scrub your oral appliance gently with a soft-bristled brush and mild dish soap, or a solution of vinegar and water, to eradicate unwanted particles. Toothpaste is not recommended because it can be abrasive and scratch the surface.

Tip #3: Soak Your Appliance Weekly

It’s a good idea to let your mouthguard soak with a denture cleaner tablet at least once a week, although many patients prefer to include this step in their daily regimen. To do so, you can fill the storage container with water, drop the capsule in, and leave your appliance in the solution for no longer than 15 minutes. Afterward, dump the water out then dry it off and you’re all set.

Tip #4:  Cleanse the Storage Box

The case that holds your appliance can also gather microbes that contribute to tooth decay and other oral infections. To keep them at bay, wash it weekly with soap and water then dry it with a paper towel. It’s not uncommon for the carrier boxes to break after a little while, so you may need to replace it periodically. This ensures that your nightguard is as fresh as possible when you put it into your mouth at night.

Taking a few simple precautions can keep your oral appliance in excellent condition so you can continue to make the most of it for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Stephen Dean goes above and beyond to enhance his patients’ quality of life by helping them get a peaceful night’s rest. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia and then achieved his doctorate at the Medical University of South Carolina. Since then, he has continued honing his skills and knowledge with ongoing courses at the Dawson Academy and the Pankey Institute. He provides a variety of services to address sleep apnea, including oral appliances. If you’re worried that your mouthguard needs to be repaired or replaced, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (770) 710-5268.