If you have a teeth grinding problem, your night guard is your best friend. With the help of this nifty little device, you can help alleviate headaches and keep your teeth healthy. Your night guard sees daily use and works in dirty conditions for long hours. As such, it is important for the health of both you and your night guard, to take good care of it. The cleaner you keep your night guard, the more likely it is to last a long time and provide the protection you need from your detrimental nightly habits.
Storing
When you get your custom dental night guard, it comes with a protective case. The first step in night guard maintenance is to use it. Whenever your night guard is not in your mouth it should be in its case. This ensures that if you knock it off of the counter or drop it, your night guard won’t be so susceptible to damage.
Night guards should be stored in cool dry places. The bathroom often seems like the most logical choice for storage, but when you shower, the room becomes excessively warm and moist. A better alternative is to keep it on or in your nightstand.
Cleaning
There are many ways you can go about cleaning your night guard. Because it spends hours in your mouth, your night guards can develop bacterial growth and strange smells. Each morning when you remove it, practice simple maintenance by rinsing it with cool water or mouth wash before storing it for the day. Another option is to brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste like you would your teeth.
Though your daily cleanings will ensure that your night guard doesn’t get too gross, a weekly deep cleaning is still a good idea. This can be done with a bit of mild soap and cool water or store bought mouth guard cleaning tablets.
It’s also important to give your night guard container a good cleaning every so often. Remember to do this by making it a part of your weekly night guard cleaning.
Inspecting
While performing your weekly cleaning make sure to give your night guard a good examination. Look for cracks, worn down areas, and other damage. Bring your night guard with you when you go to the dentist so that a professional can give it an even more thorough check up.
Leiken & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville
If you have questions about night guards or teeth grinding, or it’s just been a while since you’ve had a cleaning or talked to your dentist, it’s time to make an appointment. You can contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visiting CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
Disclaimer: The writer of this article is not a medical professional. Information contained herein has been collected from sources believed to be reliable, and every precaution has been taken to ensure its accuracy. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.