Do you wear a night guard to protect your pearly whites from grinding and clenching while you sleep? Kudos to you for taking care of your teeth! But, wait, are you taking care of your night guard as well? You need to clean your night guard regularly to keep it in top-notch condition and ensure that it continues to safeguard your smile night after night.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some easy-peasy tips to clean your night guard effectively, so it stays fresh and ready for action!
Rinse it Right After Waking Up
As you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day, make sure your night guard gets some love too! Simply rinse it thoroughly with cold water to remove saliva and any loose debris.
This small step will prevent stains and bacteria buildup, helping your night guard remain squeaky clean.
Brush with Care
Sometimes, a simple rinse just isn’t enough. Just like your teeth, your night guard deserves some gentle brushing too. So, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild toothpaste (avoid whitening ones) to scrub away any lingering gunk.
Remember to be gentle; aggressive scrubbing might damage the night guard.
Soak it in a Mouthwash Bath
If you want to leave it smelling and tasting fresh, you can give your night guard a spa day by soaking it in a mouthwash bath. Just be sure to choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid any damage to the guard’s material.
The mouthwash will not only disinfect the night guard but also leave it with a minty-fresh scent. Ah, refreshing!
Vinegar and Water Solution
If you’re looking for a natural and effective cleaning solution, vinegar comes to the rescue! You can mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a container and let your night guard soak in this solution for about 15-30 minutes.
The vinegar will work wonders in breaking down any stubborn stains or bacteria.
Baking Soda Paste Power
Like vinegar, baking soda is another natural yet powerful cleaning agent. For this one, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water, and use a soft toothbrush to apply it to your night guard.
Then, gently scrub away any stains or odors, and then rinse it thoroughly. Voilà, your night guard will shine like new!
Don’t Forget the Case!
Your night guard’s case is like its little home, and it needs regular cleaning too. So, be sure to wash the case with soap and water regularly to keep it free from germs.
Remember, a clean case means a cleaner night guard for your smile!
Avoid Hot Water
While hot water might seem like a quick way to disinfect, it’s best to avoid using it on your night guard. See, high temperatures can cause the material to warp or lose its shape, rendering it ineffective.
Therefore, you should always stick to cold or lukewarm water when cleaning your night guard.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning your night guard is a crucial step in maintaining good oral hygiene and ensuring it remains an effective protector for your teeth. With these simple yet effective cleaning tips, you can keep your night guard sparkling clean and odor-free.
Remember, a well-maintained night guard means a healthy smile, and that’s something worth showing off! So, start incorporating these cleaning habits into your daily routine, and your smile will thank you for it! Happy cleaning!
Think it may be time for a new night guard? We’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Hale Wellness Dental Studio, and book an appointment today.