CarING for Occlusal GUARDs
Seven Crucial Night Guard Care Tips
Occlusal guards can be a valuable tool when it comes to protecting your jaw joint and teeth from the harsh effects or grinding or clenching. Now that you have a night guard, it is important that it is cared for properly so that it can continue protecting your teeth for as long as possible. Your daily oral health routine should include cleaning your night guard. Follow these instructions for cleaning your nightguard, and it should stay in great shape for years to come!
1. Warm your night guard under warm water before your put it in.
2. Rinse immediately after wearing.
Each time you wear your night guard you should rinse it with warm water as soon as you remove it from your mouth. This will remove debris and loosen any plaque that is stuck to the night guard.
3. Brush the night guard with your toothbrush.
After rinsing, brush your night guard with your regular tooth brush.
Do not use toothpaste, toothpaste is abrasive and it can scratch your night guard, leaving it with a rough surface.
4. Lay your night guard on a clean surface (or in an open carrying case), until it dries completely.
It is important to allow your night guard to dry completely before storing it, as to prevent rapid bacterial growth or mold. Choose a clean, flat surface to allow your night guard to dry. Typically it should dry within 15-30 minutes.
5. Always store your occlusal guard in a case.
When you are not wearing your night guard it is important to keep it stored in its case. Be careful not to store your night guard anywhere that a pet can get it. Even dogs that don’t typically chew on things, LOVE nightguards.
6. Deep clean your night guard monthly.
Make a habit of deep cleaning your night guard at least once a month. This can be done in several ways. The first is by using an over-the-counter, nonabrasive denture cleaner. Simply place your night guard in a glass or bowl with warm (not hot) water and allow the cleaner to dissolve completely into the water. Rinse your night guard thoroughly and allow it to dry before storing.
Another way to keep it clean is by dropping it by our office, or bringing it to your appointment with you! We provide this service to all of our patients for free.
PRO TIP: Never let your night guard soak in anything longer than 1 hour. Extended time in liquid can damage the material your night guard is made of. Also, don’t soak your night guard in anything containing alcohol. This includes Listerine.