How to Care for Your Oral Appliances

Oral appliances include mouthguards and nightguards, which High Point Dentistry offers! Mouthguards protect your teeth during contact sports while nightguards are great for nighttime teeth-grinding. How do you care for these oral appliances? Here are the best tips:

Make Sure Your Teeth Are Clean Before Putting in Your Oral Appliance

If you have food or plaque on your teeth when you put in your oral appliance, bacteria ends up in your appliance. Not only will it make the plastic smell, but a dirty oral appliance can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Before putting in your oral appliance, make sure you’ve cleaned your teeth.

Brush Your Oral Appliances Gently

When you clean your oral appliance, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you use hard bristles, or brush too hard, you can scratch and warp the plastic. You should also only use water, mild dish soap, or a denture cleaner! Regular toothpaste is too abrasive for an oral appliance.

Don’t Use Hot Water

Heat is very bad for oral appliances. Hot water and direct sunlight can both warp the plastic, which means the appliance won’t fit anymore. When cleaning your appliance, only use cool or lukewarm water. Never boil it or run it through the dishwasher. You should also be careful if you’re traveling with your oral appliance on a hot day.

Soak Your Oral Appliance at Least Once a Week

For a more thorough clean, you should soak your oral appliance at least once a week if you’re wearing it every day. You can use a denture cleaner, which kills bacteria and foul odors. Soak for around 15 minutes, rinse it well, and then let it dry.

Nightguards & Mouthguards at High Point Dentistry in Round Rock, East Austin, & South Austin, Texas

We’re proud to offer athletic mouthguards and nightguards at our practice! Using an impression of your smile, we create a custom oral appliance that’s effective and comfortable for sports or sleeping. Please contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our dentists!

Categorised in: Dental Tips, Mouthguards & Nightguards, Preventative Dentistry