It is estimated that approximately 22 million Americans are suffering from sleep apnea. Oral appliances are a great option to help many people finally get a full night’s rest. However, you want your oral appliance to remain sanitary so it will last for many years. Your dentist is here to help! Read on to learn some tips for cleaning oral appliances as well as what to know about storing them to keep them in good shape.
6 Tips for Cleaning Oral Appliances
When cleaning your appliance, be sure to keep the following things in mind:
- Skip the Toothpaste: While you should always brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste before putting in your oral appliance, you do not want to use toothpaste to clean it. Toothpaste is abrasive and can damage your oral appliance. This gives microorganisms more places to hide and can leave you with oral hygiene problems.
- Don’t Boil: Boiling water is great at disinfecting some things, but an oral appliance is not one of them. High temperatures can warp your appliance and cause it to be uncomfortable in the future.
- No Bleach: Bleach should be avoided because it can break down the material your appliance is made from. It can also use an unpleasant taste. Instead, use an antibacterial dish soap.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: If you use a toothbrush that is too stiff, you could accidently damage the appliance.
- Clean Daily: When you brush your teeth in the morning, this is a great time to clean your appliance as well. This way, you can remove excess bacteria and keep your appliance smelling fresh.
- Soak: Approximately once a week, soak your appliance using a denture cleaner tablet. This will help to provide a level of clean that you can’t get from just brushing.
How to Store Your Appliance
Storing your appliance properly is important. Use the following tips:
- Keep your appliance in its case if you were provided with one. This way, you are less likely to lose it.
- Put it in a safe place. Your appliance should not be accessible to small children or pets.
- Avoid keeping your oral appliance in extreme temperatures.
- Clean your oral appliance’s case. The appliance will not stay clean if you are keeping it in an unsanitary location.
By following the tips listed about, you will be able to get the much-needed sleep you deserve while keeping your oral appliance in the best shape possible!
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over three decades. He served in the United States Army Dental Corps where he received advanced train in main different dental topics. If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, Dr. Drummond would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment in Lawton, OK, visit his website or call (580) 355-0344.