Being able to enjoy a full night’s rest once again thanks to an oral appliance can be a dream come true. That said, it’s not enough to simply put the appliance in at night and take it out in the morning. You need to make sure you’re performing basic maintenance on the appliance. That way, not only will it last for many years to come, but you’ll also protect your teeth. Make sure that you follow these X tips for cleaning an oral appliance in Lutz.
1. Always Brush Your Teeth Before Putting the Appliance In
If there are still bacteria on your teeth before you put in your oral appliance, what do you think happens to them? The answer is they become trapped in your mouth for an entire night, giving them plenty of time to eat away at the enamel and increasing your risk for cavities. Worse yet, the dark, wet, and constricted environment underneath the appliance is the perfect place for bacteria to multiply, potentially making the problem even worse. To avoid these issues, be sure to always take the time to brush your teeth before putting in your oral appliance.
2. Rinse Your Appliance
There could be some food debris left on your appliance before you put it back in your mouth. To make sure it’s as clean as possible, take the time to rinse and dry it before wearing it.
3. Brush Your Appliance in the Morning
Once you have an oral appliance to take care of, you should make brushing it part of your oral hygiene routine in the morning. This prevents the buildup of bacteria and will stop the appliance from developing an unpleasant odor. Make sure you have the right tools for the job; you should use a soft bristled brush as well as either toothpaste or antibacterial soap. Scrub the entire surface of the appliance, especially the areas where adjustments can be made.
4. Always Let Your Appliance Air Dry
Sticking a still-wet appliance into a dark drawer is an open invitation for bacteria and yeast to grow on it. As such, it’s always better to leave your appliance out in the open to air dry.
5. Soak Your Appliance Once a Week
For the most thorough clean possible, you should soak your appliance at least once a week in denture cleaner. This will help kill off any bacteria that you were unable to reach with regular brushing. Most denture cleaners work by filling a container with water, placing the appliance in it, and dropping in a number of tablets.
All of the above tips will only take a few minutes out of your day, but they can extend the lifespan of your oral appliance by years so that you can continue using it to treat your sleep apnea in Lutz.
About the Author
Dr. Jay A. Nelson has trained in dental sleep medicine so that he can use his dental expertise to help people suffering from sleep apnea. He has earned certification in using Somnodent and other oral appliances that help snorers and sleep apnea patients alike enjoy a restful night’s sleep. If you need an oral appliance or have questions about maintaining it, get in touch with Nelson Dentistry via his website or by calling (813) 949-0424.