Dentists may recommend a retainer after braces treatment to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions. A night guard may be recommended to stop teeth grinding. Both appliances need to be kept clean to prevent the accumulation of bacteria. It also helps your appliance stay in shape for the years to come.
In this blog, we’ll discuss a few effective cleaning tips that you can easily incorporate into your day-to-day tasks and enjoy the benefits of a clean retainer or mouth guard.
Daily Cleaning Routine
The following tips are easy to follow and help prevent stains formation on the night guard. Once the stops form, it can be very difficult to get rid of them. Therefore, preventing them in the first place is the best bet.
Rinsing
Every day when you wake up, remove your night guard and rinse it with normal tap water. If lukewarm water is available, it’s better. But don’t use very hot water as it can disfigure the mouth guard.
Brushing
In the next step, brush your retainer or mouth guard with a toothbrush. The one with soft bristles is always recommended. Brushing helps get rid of plaque and saliva. Avoid using toothpaste as some of the ingredients can damage the retainer.
Drying
When storing the night guard, ensure it’s fully dry. Otherwise, bacteria can grow on the appliance. Remove moisture from the mouth guard with a cloth and then place it on a clean area to air dry. Let the retainer sit for 20-30 minutes.
Storage
Now it’s time to store your mouth guard. Once it has dried completely, store it in a closed container to avoid contact with bacteria. It’s also good to clean your storage container every few weeks.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Once every week, deep cleaning your mouth guard can benefit your appliance. Do the following.
Cleaning Pill
Pour lukewarm water into a glass and add a cleaning pill. After the tablet dissolves completely, place your night guard and let it soak for 15 minutes. You can easily buy cleaning tablets from a pharmacy. Another option is using custom formulated pills. These can help prevent stains and kill smell-causing bacteria. These pills give your retainer and mouth guard a pleasant smell and taste. Now rinse it with normal tap water and store it after drying.
Use Mouthwash or Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide solution and mouthwash can also help keep your mouth guard clean. Add ½ teaspoon mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide in a glass of water and dip your night guard. Let it soak for around 30 minutes. Now rinse thoroughly, dry, and store.
Summing Up
It is important to keep the mouth guard clean to ensure it stays fresh and functional. Follow these cleaning tips and enjoy your mouthpiece for years to come. If you want more information or tips on keeping your appliance clean. The dental experts at Friendswood Smile Dentistry would be more than happy to answer your queries. To get in touch, call (832) 895 1905.