Do you wake up every morning with persistent pain in your jaw? If you do, you’re most likely suffering from bruxism, a condition where people tend to clench or grind their teeth. Nonetheless, to prevent this from occurring every night, dentists recommend getting a night guard.
As helpful as that is, when it comes to taking care of the guard, things can get confusing. For instance, how are you supposed to clean a night guard?
But don’t worry. In this blog, we’ll discuss all the different ways you can clean your mouthguard and how to take proper care of it.
What Does a Night Guard Do?
A night guard, or mouth guard, is similar to an Invisalign. It’s made out of clear acrylic and fits snugly on your teeth. The thick material prevents your teeth from clashing against each other. In a way, a night guard acts like a barrier, keeping your pearly whites from wearing down with cracks. Moreover, mouthguards can also fend off gum recession, keeping your teeth as stable and strong as they’re meant to be.
How Often Should You Clean Your Night Guard?
You should clean your night guard every week. However, that refers to deep cleaning only. On a daily basis, it’s important to rinse your guard. This helps to flush out the bacteria and any lingering saliva or plaque leftover from the night before.
For precision, you can use a toothbrush to gently scrub the gunk away, especially since this will allow you to reach into the tiny crevices of the night guard.
How to Clean a Night Guard?
Cleaning a mouthguard doesn’t require an arm or leg. In fact, it’s so simple; it’s just like brushing your teeth. Nonetheless, when it comes to intensive cleaning, you can use the following methods to rid your night guard of all the germs that may be left behind.
- Specialized Denture Cleaner
A liquid denture cleaner works amazingly for a night guard as well. All you have to do is let the oral device sit in a mixture of the denture cleaner and water. This will allow the buildup to dissolve away with ease.
. - Vinegar
Before you try to rinse your night guard with vinegar, it’s important to consult with your dentist. Considering how potent vinegar is, it’s a great way to break away all the dirt and grime packed into the guard’s crevices.
Just mix equal parts vinegar and water before dunking the night guard into the solution for about 30 minutes. - Hydrogen Peroxide
HA hydrogen peroxide, with a strength level of 3%, is the best option to go for when using it to clean your night guard. Simply soak your oral device in undiluted hydrogen peroxide for about 20 to 30 minutes. Once done, take it out and rinse the excess solution away. - Mouthwash
Pure mouthwash might not be the best way to go about cleaning your night guard. What you can do, however, is dilute it with water to soften the harsh effects and soak it in for 30 minutes. - Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
Cleaning tablets are easy to use. They fizz out and dissolve in water, creating the perfect mixture. Just follow the instructions on the package and let it bathe in it for 10 minutes. Once the time is up, take out your night guard and gently scrub with a toothbrush.
Things Not to Use When Cleaning Your Night Guard
Now that you know what methods to use to clean your night guard, here are some means you should avoid at all costs:
- Boiling Water
- Dishwasher
- Dish Soap
- Toothpaste
Long Story Short
All in all, there are multiple ways to clean your night guard. But no matter what method you choose, it’s essential to focus on the timing. Do not let your night guard sit in any solution for longer than 30 minutes, or it could lead to deterioration. Nonetheless, for more information, contact Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry at (949) 552-1380. We are proud to serve patients from all nearby communities, including East Irvine, Westpark, Orchard Hill, Woodbury, Shady Canyon, and Northwood.