You take excellent care of your teeth and gums by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day (well, most of the time!). But if you aren’t properly cleaning your oral sleep appliance, all that energy you devote towards preventing things like bad breath, cavities, and gum disease could be for naught. Here’s a closer look at why it’s so important to keep your orthotic clean, and some best practices to help it stay that way!
Why Cleanliness Matters
Although it may not seem like your oral appliance can get that dirty when you’re only using it while you sleep, the truth is that by simply wearing it, it can easily accumulate things like plaque, bacteria, and debris you may have missed when brushing and flossing. Worse yet, if you or someone close to you has been sick, it can also harbor germs and increase your risk of illness. It can even begin smelling and tasting foul, too!
In addition to the health benefits of keeping your device clean, it is important to understand that it can’t do its job properly if it’s covered in buildup. Thus, regular cleansing can help keep it functioning as it was intended to.
How to Keep Your Oral Appliance Clean
The good news is that keeping your oral sleep appliance clean is easier than you might think! In fact, most people find maintaining their device much less difficult than caring for a CPAP machine. Here are a few popular methods for eliminating the gross germs, buildup, and odor that can accumulate in it overnight.
Gently Brush Away Buildup
One of the fastest and most effective ways to keep your sleep appliance clean is to gently scrub it daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented hand soap. Be sure to cover all surfaces and rinse it well when complete. Then, carefully pat it dry, and store it in a case until you’re ready to wear it again.
Use a Denture or Retainer Soak
Denture and retainer soaks were designed to gently effervesce bubbles of cleanser that break apart stains and debris which can accumulate on oral appliances. Although many of these products are designed to house prosthetics in them overnight, follow the instructions on the packaging to determine how long yours should stay submerged. Then, be sure to rinse your appliance well, dry it gently, and store it until bedtime.
Give it An Ultrasonic Bath
Ultrasonic cleansing machines use high speed vibrations to shake debris and germs clear from your oral appliance. They can be found on sites like Amazon for around $40 and can even be used to clean things like glasses, dentures, and jewelry. However, if you intend to use one for your sleep appliance, be sure to only fill it with water, and don’t forget to rinse and dry your device before putting it away.
Schedule A Professional Cleaning
Your dentist has special methods to clean your oral appliances, retainers, and dentures. If your device is starting to get a bit lackluster between your regular checkups, you can always call to schedule an interim cleaning. Or, if it’s in good shape, bring it along with you to your upcoming preventive exam and cleaning so your dentist can check to make sure it still fits properly and is in good, tidy condition!
Remember, in order to work properly, your oral sleep appliance should be clean and free of debris. Thus, it is important to do your part to keep it in excellent condition when it’s not in use, so that it can continue to provide safe, effective results when it is!
About Dr. Nelson
Dr. Jay Nelson earned his bachelor’s degree at Rutgers University and his dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Today, he is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, The American Academy of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine, and the American Board of Sleep & Breathing. To learn more about oral appliance therapy for treating sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with Nelson Dental Sleep Medicine by visiting our website or calling 813-733-4169 today!