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Teeth grinding or bruxism is quite common among individuals around the world. It impacts the sleep schedule and has certain side effects on the teeth. However, different night guards have been introduced to address teeth-grinding issues. Night guards require proper maintenance like any other orthodontic device. This guide will provide a complete understanding of a night guard and how to clean night gurad to keep its effectiveness intact.
Understanding a Night Guard
A night guard is a dental device that helps to protect your teeth from grinding. It is composed of either plastic or acrylic material and is worn on the teeth for the ultimate protection during sleep. These guards are customized as per each individual’s requirements and specific needs. Different types of night guards include soft, hard, and hybrid, and they are worn depending on the severity of the dental issue.
Benefits of a Night Guard
Minimizes Teeth Grinding
Bruxism is a condition caused by grinding and clenching of teeth during sleep. However, wearing a night guard minimizes the grinding of the upper and lower arch, protecting your teeth. It is the major purpose and benefit of wearing a night guard.
Protects Enamel
Teeth grinding can result in wearing down your enamel. However, a night guard benefits by preventing direct contact with both the arches and protecting your teeth from grinding.
Reduces Headaches
A man having a headache due to teeth grinding. As a result of constant grinding and clenching, a strain is caused on the jaw muscles. A night guard helps with minimizing grinding, leading to a reduction in frequent headaches.
How to clean a custom night guard?
For optimal results, a night guard certainly requires proper maintenance. Follow the simple steps mentioned below to learn how to clean night guard at home effectively.
Rinse
A night guard is worn during sleep, and as soon as you remove them in the morning, rinse them well with lukewarm water. Simply by rinsing it with water, you can remove saliva and any remaining debris that has accumulated overnight.
Clean with a Brush
Clean your night guard well with a soft-bristled brush. It should be noted that you must not use your toothbrush to clean your night guard. Apply a non-abrasive toothpaste on the brush and clean the guard in circular motions. It helps to remove any bacteria or plaque present on the device.
Rinse Again
Rinse it well with lukewarm water, after cleaning it with a toothpaste or a cleaner. It will help to ensure that the toothpaste is removed from the device.
Let it Dry
Do not place a wet night guard in its container. It can result in a breeding ground for bacteria. Let your night guard dry completely and store it once entirely dry.
Deep Cleaning your Night Guard
Oral hygiene is a crucial element for your overall well-being. Any orthodontic device must be well-cleaned to protect yourself from bacteria or plaque buildup. For the optimal maintenance of your device, deep clean it once a week. The following are some of the methods to clean a night guard deep.
How to clean Night guard with a denture cleaner?
Use an antimicrobial cleaner and soak your night guard in it once a week. Follow the mentioned instructions on the product for appropriate soaking time.
How to clean Night guard with hydrogen peroxide?
Another effective method for deep cleaning your night guard includes a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Add vinegar to a cup and soak your device for 20-30 minutes. Follow this by soaking a night guard in a cup of hydrogen peroxide. This method has been proven effective for cleaning bacteria and removing any odors on a night guard.
How to clean Night guard with baking soda?
A mixture of baking soda and water is also known to clean a night guard properly. Apply the paste on the night guard and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse it properly afterward.
Tips to Maintain your Night Guard
A night guard is essential for the prevention of grinding and clenching of teeth. However, for its longevity and effectiveness, it is important to maintain your night guard. Here are some of the tips to maintain your night guard well.
Store in a Container
Every time you take off your night guard, clean it well and store it in its container. It is the ideal way to keep your night guard effective and use it for the long term. If you do not keep your night guard in its container and put it directly in your purse or pocket, it may lead to damage or scratches on your device.
Avoid heat exposure
Keep your night guard away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Direct contact with heat can damage a night guard's shape.
To conclude, it is important to maintain your night guard for better oral hygiene and longevity of the product. By following the cleaning patterns mentioned in this guide, you can ensure the maintenance of your night guard and protect your teeth in the best way.
FAQs
1. Is cleaning a night guard important?
Yes, to ensure good oral hygiene and increase the longevity of your product keeping your night guard clean is essential.
2. How to remove calcium buildup on a night guard?
Take vinegar in a cup and soak your night guard for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, soak it in a hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes for optimal cleaning. This will help to remove calcium buildup on your night guard.
3. Who needs a night guard?
Anyone suffering from teeth grinding and clenching can wear a night guard. It will help prevent your teeth from grinding together protecting tooth enamel.
4. How to clean a yellow night guard?
Clean your night guard with any of the cleaning methods including the usage of a non-abrasive toothpaste with a soft-bristled brush, a mixture of baking soda with water, or a hydrogen peroxide.
5. How to clean night guard naturally?
Soak your night guard for at least 30 minutes in vinegar. Rinse it afterward and then soak it in hydrogen peroxide for at least 30 minutes. After soaking it in the solution, rinse it with lukewarm water and let the night guard dry.
