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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Keep Your Night Guard Clean with these Tips

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Of all the different oral health conditions that fly under the radar, bruxism is one of the most prevalent. Also known as teeth grinding, bruxism has a devastating impact on tooth health and can leave afflicted individuals with significant jaw pain and a lack of sleep. That’s why a custom night guard is such an important preventative measure.

These custom fitted mouthguards can be created using various materials depending on the severity of the bruxism. For some, softer synthetic materials are necessary, while for others, rigid compounds are the best way to prevent jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Soft materials are more comfortable and easy to get used to, but some patients tend to chew on these guards and cause them to lose efficacy over time. On the other hand, rigid mouthguards may make sleeping more uncomfortable, but they last for much longer and produce a better effect. Either way, a night guard for bruxism is essential to reducing the negative impacts of clenching and grinding during sleep.

Cleaning Custom Fitted Mouthguards

Your local dental professional will give you a comprehensive list of maintenance tips for cleaning your mouthguard. This will help reduce the buildup of harmful bacteria and ensure that your night guard can last for much longer. Here are some of the most important cleanliness tips for maintaining your night guard for bruxism.

  • Store it in the Right Case

Your orthodontist will give you a proper case to store your mouthguard in, and it’s essential that you use it. These cases prevent germs and bacteria from getting into your guard.

  • Rinse it Off First Thing in the Morning

After a long night of using a nightguard, it should be rinsed off with water to remove any plaque or saliva that has collected in it during sleep.

  • Clean it Off With Your Toothbrush

One of the best ways to ensure that all bacteria, germs, and plaque are removed from a night guard is to brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

  • Dry it Off in a Clean Area

After brushing the guard off with a toothbrush and toothpaste, you should leave it in a clean area to air dry. You can also use a towel or new paper towel and then let it sit for about half an hour to fully dry.

  • Perform a Deep Clean on a Regular Basis

On a semi-regular basis, it’s important to deep clean both the guard and its case. The guard can be deep cleaned by placing it inside a cup or bowl of water with a special cleaner dissolved in the liquid. Other cleaners like mouthwash are also acceptable in this case. Just make sure you don’t let it soak for over an hour; some liquids can damage the structure of custom fitted mouthguards.

If you or your child is dealing with pervasive teeth grinding and jaw clenching, a dental professional can help by custom-fitting a bruxism guard. Learn more about the experts at Arenson Dental for all your cosmetic and orthodontics needs in the GTA!

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