Your night guard is your best protection against bruxism, a condition in which you grind or clench your teeth. During the night it sits between the surfaces of your teeth and prevents the constant grinding and clenching from doing any significant damage to your teeth. To that effect, it is wise for you to perform proper night guard care. The better you take care of your night guard, the better it will take care of you.
Storage
The first step in proper care for your night guard is proper storage techniques. The custom-fit night guard you receive from the dentist will come with a case, and its there for a reason. This protects the night guard from any accidental damage that could occur while it is not in your mouth. Proper temperature and humidity should also be considered when storing your night guard. It should be stored in a cool dry choice. Stay away from keeping your night guard in the bathroom, as the shower can produce heat and humidity that is detrimental to your night guard. The night stand beside your bed is a much better option.
Cleaning
There are lots of bacteria in your mouth, and the majority of them are quite beneficial. But when your night guard spends 8 hours in your mouth overnight only to sit in a case the rest of the day, unchecked bacterial growth can be an issue. Whenever you remove your night guard in the morning, rinse it with either cool water or mouthwash. Once a week, a deeper cleaning is a good idea. Consider using mild soap and cool water, and possibly a toothbrush with softer bristles.
Keeping your night guard clean and safe will enhance its lifespan, giving you better protection against bruxism and letting you get more for your money.
More From Cantonsville Dental Care
Catonsville Dental Care provides high-quality dental services to Catonsville, MD and the surrounding areas. We offer teeth whitening, implants, Invisalign, and other dental services as well as routine dental care and corrective treatments. With years of experience and countless testimonials, we’re your one-stop offices for all of your dental needs!
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