Night guards, splints, and TMJ appliances can get grungy! Using these simple tips I am going to share with you will not only keep your dental appliance clean, it will also help you make it last longer.
Use Your Toothbrush
After you remove your night guard from your mouth, rinse it with warm water to remove any debris or plaque that could be stuck to it. Clean your night guard with your toothbrush gently. You can use toothpaste to help keep it clean, same as your teeth.
Dish Soap is a Great Alternative
You can use dish soap or Castile soap as a non-abrasive daily cleanser. Simply scrub (gently) with soap and warm water, and rinse off well to remove soap residue, then place your splint back in your mouth or safely store it in a container.
Monthly Deep Clean
For a monthly deep clean, to help maintain your night guard and TMJ appliance, additional steps can be taken to revive a dental appliance. An over-the-counter denture cleaner can be used as per its instructions. Alternatively, a home-made cleaning mixture can be followed as outlined below.
Use Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide
This is a great way to deep clean your splint, night guard, or TMJ appliance but it does take additional time.
Step 1: first soak the night guard in white vinegar for 30 minutes
Step 2: Rinse the night guard with water then soak it in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes
Step 3: Rinse again then dry
Change Your Toothbrush Often
Many people don’t realize that toothbrushes wear out and need to be changed often. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC), a manual toothbrush should be changed every three to four months or so. If you use an electric toothbrush, it’s likely that the bristles are shorter than a manual brush so change the head of your electric toothbrush every twelve weeks (three months). Note, you can use your electric toothbrush on your night guard as well instead of a manual one.
Do NOT Soak your Night Guard in Alcohol
Never use alcohol-containing products to soak your night guard. Extended time in alcohol can damage the material your night guard is made from. If you want to use alcohol to disinfect your dental appliance for any reason, you can use isopropyl alcohol in a spray, quickly spray your night guard then rinse with water to remove any alcohol remaining on the appliance, and dry.
Clean the Case or Container where you store your Night-guard
Don’t forget to clean the container where your night guard is stored. Use soap to wash out the container and remove any debris so that your night guard is kept and protected in a clean dry container. Keep the night guard and container away from pets.
That’s all there is to it! Simple, easy and fast and helps you maintain and protect your dental appliance for its lifetime. And make sure you examine your night guard routinely for fractures, chipping, wear and tear, and check in with your dentist if you have any questions or concerns.
About Dr. Agatha Bis
Dr. Agatha Bis is a highly regarded expert in the field of dental care, specializing in the development and use of night guards, splints, and TMJ stabilizer tips. With a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for her patients, Dr. Bis has dedicated her career to addressing various dental concerns, particularly those related to teeth grinding, clenching, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Dr. Agatha Bis's splints and TMJ stabilizer tips are meticulously designed to alleviate the discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. Her solutions provide patients with relief from pain, improved jaw function, and a better overall quality of life.
With her commitment to innovation and patient well-being, Dr. Agatha Bis continues to make significant strides in the field of dental health, offering tailored solutions that promote healthy smiles and pain-free living.