Introduction
Using a night guard is a great way to protect your teeth from the damages of grinding and clenching. However, maintaining its cleanliness is vital for its durability and effectiveness. An unclean night guard is not only ineffective in protecting your teeth but also poses health risks, such as bacterial and fungal infections. In this article, we will walk you through the proper way to clean your night guard and share some tips that will make the process super easy.
5 Simple Steps to Keep Your Night Guard Clean and Sanitized
The following five simple steps will help you keep your night guard feeling fresh and clean:
Step 1: Rinse your night guard after use
After wearing your night guard, it is essential to rinse it off under running water to remove any saliva residue and food debris. Doing this will help loosen the attached particles that may cause an unpleasant odor over time.
Step 2: Brush your night guard with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Using toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush your night guard to remove any food particles that may have accumulated on its surface. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush or toothpaste with abrasive granules, as they can scratch the surface of the night guard, leaving scratches that can harbor bacteria and fungi.
Step 3: Soak your night guard in a cleaning solution
Soaking your night guard in a cleaning solution helps to eliminate harmful bacteria and odors that may develop over time. There are several cleaning solutions you can use, including over-the-counter products, antibacterial mouthwashes, or natural solutions like baking soda and water or vinegar and water solutions.
Step 4: Rinse and dry your night guard thoroughly
After soaking your night guard for the recommended duration, remove it and rinse it under running water to remove any cleaning solution residue. Allow it to dry for several hours before storing it.
Step 5: Store your night guard properly
Store your night guard in a clean case to prevent contamination. A well-ventilated case is ideal for storing your night guard to prevent mold growth.
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Night Guard – Tips and Tricks
The following tips and tricks will help you keep your night guard clean and prevent contamination:
Importance of using the right cleaning solution
The cleaning solution that you use to clean your night guard plays a significant role in the effectiveness of cleaning and longevity of the night guard. Choosing the wrong cleaning solution can cause damage to the night guard, which will reduce its lifespan.
Tips for choosing the right cleaning solution
When choosing a cleaning solution, look for one that is specifically designed for night guards. Avoid using harsh chemicals like peroxide, bleach, or vinegar, which can damage the material and change its color.
Best practices for cleaning your night guard
Always clean your nightguard according to the instructions provided. Overusing some cleaning solutions can lead to discolouration or damage of the night-guard. Additionally, avoid boiling, microwaving or dishwashing your night guard, as this can lead to deformation and changes in the material that can render it ineffective in preventing bruxism.
DIY Methods to Effectively Clean Your Night Guard at Home
If you prefer using natural cleaning solutions, here are a few safe and effective DIY methods for cleaning your night guard:
Baking soda and water paste
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda and enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your night guard and gently scrub in circular motions using a soft-bristled toothbrush before soaking it in distilled water for about 30 minutes before rinsing with water.
Hydrogen peroxide and water solution
Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water, and soak your night guard for about 30 minutes. Rinse it in water and allow it to air dry. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent and by soaking, it helps keep the night guard sparkling clean and fresh.
Vinegar and water solution
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, soak your night guard in the solution for 30 minutes, and rinse with cold water. Vinegar has antibacterial properties that help disinfect the night guard and eliminate unpleasant odors.
How to Make Your Night Guard Last Longer with Proper Cleaning
By cleaning your night guard regularly and correctly, you can extend its lifespan and keep it hygienic for daily use.
Explanation of how bacteria and tartar buildup can affect the lifespan of a night guard
Bacterial and tartar buildup can form on the night guard’s surface over time, leading to a foul smell and decay of the material. Overusing improper cleaning methods or solutions can also deteriorate the quality of the material that ultimately shortens its lifespan.
Best practices to extend the life of your night guard through proper cleaning
Rinse your night guard with clean water, after every use to prevent buildup of tartar and bacteria. Always use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush and a recommended cleaning solution. Avoid exposing your night guard excessive heat, such as microwaving, boiling, or leaving it in direct sunlight, which can cause warping or color changes. By adopting these cleaning practices, you can extend your night guard’s life span.
The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Your Night Guard
By observing these dos and don’ts, you can keep your night guard clean and sanitized:
Examples of things you should do to effectively clean your night guard
Wash your hands before handling your night guard, soak your device in a recommended cleaning solution to loosen bacteria and expose the areas with stubborn buildup to water and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Examples of things you should avoid when cleaning your night guard
Don’t use abrasive toothpaste or a rough-bristled toothbrush as they can scratch the surface of the night guard. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach-based products that can alter the color of the guard or render it ineffective.
Natural Cleaners to Keep Your Night Guard Fresh and Clean
Natural cleaning agents offer a safe and effective method of cleaning night guards. Here are some of the natural cleaning agents that you can try:
Overview of natural cleaning agents
Natural cleaning agents are inexpensive and readily available while being an eco-friendly option that utilizes locally available resources.
Examples of natural cleaning agents
Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree and lavender oil, serve as natural cleaning agents with added antibacterial properties. Alternatively, you can use baking soda and water, sodium bicarbonate, or apple cider vinegar and water solution to clean your night guard.
Conclusion
Effective cleaning of your night guard is critical for its longevity and preventing any health risks. Rinse your night guard regularly, brush gently, keep it hygienic by using the right cleaning solution, and store it in a clean, ventilated case. Utilize natural cleaning agents as an eco-friendly and economical alternative. Observe the dos and don’ts to maintain your night guard effectively and extend its life span. Incorporating these tips and tricks will ensure that your night guard stays sparkling clean, fresh, and hygienic for longer.
