How To Maintain Your Mouth Guard

Dentist Blog

If you are using a mouth guard for the treatment of bruxism, then you should know how to care for the device. Proper care is necessary to keep it safe and free from germs. Caring for a guard involves three major actions namely:

Inspection for Damages

A damaged mouth guard will not perform its function properly, and it can also cause oral injury when small parts of the material break away. Therefore, it is important to inspect it regularly for any problems. Take particular note of any rips or tears of the material. If you do find any damage, then you have to stop using the device and get a new one.

Proper Storage

Storing your night guard properly helps not only to keep it free of germs, but also maintain its original shape. The best way to do this is to insert it into its case and keep it in a cool and dry place, such as your nightstand.

Avoid bathroom storage because there are lots of germs floating around, especially whenever the toilet is flushed. Apart from that, the heat and high humidity in the bathroom can distort the material and make it uncomfortable to wear the next time.

Regular Cleaning

Apart from proper storage, you also need to clean your guard to keep it disease-free. Daily washing with water are useful, but not enough. Some of the methods you can use to clean your guard thoroughly include:

• Mouth rinse – soak the guard in a mouth rinse solution for a few minutes; wash and then rinse
• Toothpaste – brush it as you would your teeth, but do it very gently to avoid scratching
• Dental sanitizing devices – use sonic or ultraviolet light to kill germs
• Soap – this cheap method works because the soap helps to kill the germs
• Tablets/powders – specifically designed for mouth guard cleaning and are available at drugstores.
• Professional tools – these are available at your dentist's office. Carry the guard with you to your dental consultations for a thorough washing.

Ensure you rinse your mouth guard thoroughly after every cleaning session. This is necessary to get rid of all traces of cleaning chemicals. Also, let it dry completely before storing it since dampness encourages bacteria growth.

You should always carry your night guard with you when you go to the dentist. Apart from giving it a professional cleaning, the dentist will also inspect it for early signs of damage and advise you accordingly. To learn more, contact a company like Sunshine Dentistry.

17 March 2015