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Do you have a dirty night guard when you get up and aren’t sure how to clean it properly? You’re not by yourself. Many people have trouble keeping their night guards clean, which can cause irritation and problems with dental health. Not only does a dirty night guard retain bacteria, but it also shortens its life and reduces its ability to shield your teeth effectively.
What Are the Issues If the Night Guard Isn't Cleaned?
Consider the following scenario: To prevent your teeth from clenching and grinding, you wear your night guard regularly every night. But as time passes, it starts to smell bad, gets discolored, and is uncomfortable to wear. A buildup of tartar and plaque, which aggravates gum disease and foul breath, may even be apparent to you.
A dirty night guard is not only unappealing, but it can be harmful to your health. Bacteria can readily spread to your night guard because they support warm, moist areas like your mouth. These microorganisms grow when surfaces are not cleaned properly, raising the risk of mouth infections and other issues.
Additionally, the structural integrity of your night guard may be compromised if you neglect to clean it daily. Saliva, food particles, and germs can leave behind residue that deteriorates the substance, causing cracks, discoloration, and a general reduction in its efficiency.
Steps to Clean Dirty Night Guard
Cleaning your night guard doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With just five easy steps, you can restore it to its pristine condition and ensure optimal oral health:
Step 1: Completely Rinse
To get rid of any surface dirt and saliva, start by giving your night guard a quick rinse in lukewarm water. Hot water can harm the material, so stay away from it.
Step 2: Denture Cleaner should be soaked
In a clean container, mix denture cleanser and lukewarm water to make a solution. For 15 to 30 minutes, immerse your night guard and allow it to soak to eliminate bacteria, stains, and plaque accumulation.
Step 3: Gently Scrub
Once the night guard has soaked, gently scrub it with a toothbrush with soft bristles, being sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Toothpaste and abrasive cleansers should be avoided since they may scratch the surface.
Step 4: Repeatedly Again
To get rid of any last bits of debris and cleaner, give your night guard a thorough rinse under running water. Make sure you give the outside and inside a good rinse.
Step 5: Let it Air Dry
Before putting your night guard in its case, let it air dry completely. Towel drying and utilizing heat to dry can encourage the growth of bacteria.
In the end, I can say that by following these simple instructions, you can maintain the cleanliness, hygienic conditions, and comfort of your night guard. To guarantee that your night guard continues to shield your teeth and advance general oral health, including routine cleaning, into your oral hygiene schedule. Keep your well-being safe from a dirty night guard by cleaning it expertly and starting over every morning!
FAQs
1. Why is it crucial to routinely clean my night guard?
Maintaining good dental hygiene and extending the life of your night guard require routine cleaning to avoid the accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and foul smells.
2. How often should my night guard be cleaned?
To keep your night guard clean and functional, it's advised that you clean it every day using the five simple procedures listed in our blog post.
