Bruxism is a common condition in all ages as it is a sleep disorder described as the clenching or grinding of teeth during sleep- we talked about it in our last post, which you can find here.

To prevent this condition from damaging your perfect smile or worsening any TMJ discomfort already present, night guards may be provided to you by your dentist. When it is worn by the patient, the constant grinding of teeth is prevented, lessening chances of your teeth getting worn out. However, it is important to take care of your night guards as well. We have a little guide for you on how to…

Rinse Immediately in the Morning

Remove it from your mouth and rinse it out- it is that simple.

Brush it Like Your Teeth

A light brushing with a normal toothbrush and water- maybe a separate one.

Let it Dry Completely

It’s important to allow your night guard to dry completely before storing it away. This will prevent rapid bacterial growth.

Store in a Pretty Case

Open your nightstand and throw it in there, so it isn’t in your humid bathroom.

Deep Clean it

At least once a week or so, clean it with something stronger than just water. You can use an over-the-counter denture cleaner, a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, or use a mixture of mouthwash and water.

Pro Tip: Don’t ever leave your night guard soaking in anything for longer than one hour. Extended time in liquid can damage the material your night guard is made out of.

Don’t Forget To Keep Your Case Clean

Are you going to put your clean night guard into a dirty case? Wash it the same way you would a glass that you don’t want to put in the dishwasher so it doesn’t melt.

If you have any questions about keeping your night guard clean- let us know on your next visit! We are here to help!