If part of your sleep apnea treatment is wearing a customized oral appliance every night, you may wonder what you can do to keep it clean. Bacteria and harmful plaque can build overnight, leaving your mouth vulnerable to many of the most common oral health problems. To minimize the potential for more serious issues, find out how you can properly maintain your device so that it remains in optimal shape.
Make Sure to Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Before inserting your oral appliance each night, you’ll want to make sure that you carefully brush and floss your teeth.
Throughout the day, harmful particles and food debris can accumulate on the enamel and around the gumline. By devoting two minutes to brushing as well as flossing and rinsing, you not only keep your smile in better shape but also create an environment that is much healthier for your oral appliance.
Give Your Oral Appliance a Thorough Cleaning
When waking up, you’ll want to make sure that you remove your oral appliance to give it a thorough cleaning. This involves using a soft-bristled toothbrush as well as clear, mild soap and lukewarm water.
While asleep, saliva can harden onto your device, and bacteria can build. If left in place, it can pose a significant threat to your teeth and gums, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. You should not only focus on the area that rests against your pearly whites but also the underside of the device as well when cleaning.
Follow the Instructions for Soaking and Drying
Depending on the type of oral appliance you receive (all are different), you may need to let it air dry after cleaning. It’s also possible that you may need to let it soak.
Each type requires a different method of care, so you’ll want to make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid additional damage. If you’re required to soak your appliance, make sure your mouthpiece is freshly cleaned before submerging in water.
If you are expected to let it dry, do not store it in a case or dark area. These areas, when filled with moisture, can breed bacteria that attach to your oral appliance and ultimately, your teeth.
Keep Your Appliance’s Protective Case Clean
When traveling, you’ll find it helpful to keep your oral appliance in a protective case. However, these need to be cleaned often, as moisture, bacteria, and saliva can build up, leaving behind an unhealthy environment.
You can use soap and water to remove all harmful substances before drying it with a paper towel.
Wearing a device to reduce your sleep apnea symptoms is one of the best decisions you will make. Just make sure to keep it clean so that you don’t require a replacement sooner than necessary.
About the Practice
Our team at Star Sleep & Wellness in Plano consists of many sleep specialists who strive to deliver effective treatment options for patients who struggle with chronic fatigue, snoring, and weight gain. We also provide helpful instructions to make life with an oral appliance easy and less stressful. Contact us to find out what you can do to keep your device healthy and clean day after day.