Did you know that approximately 22 million Americans have sleep apnea? CPAP is an ideal solution for many, but others find it to be uncomfortable or not effective enough on its own. Fortunately, oral appliances are also available to help patients get the uninterrupted sleep they need to thrive during the day. However, it’s important that you take the steps to care for your oral appliance so that it lasts. Continue reading to learn some tips for cleaning your oral appliance as well as the proper way to store it when it isn’t being worn.
6 Tips for Cleaning Your Oral Appliance
When you clean your oral appliance, remember to do the following:
- Don’t Use Toothpaste: Fluoridated toothpaste may be the best way to keep your teeth clean, but this isn’t the case for your oral appliance. Toothpaste is too abrasive, so it can cause damage, giving harmful bacteria more places to hide. Instead, opt for an antibacterial dish soap.
- No Boiling: Boiling water is great at disinfecting items, but your oral appliance should not be placed in boiling water. High temperatures can warp the appliance materials, causing it to not fit properly.
- Avoid Bleach: Bleach should always be avoided because it can break down the material your appliance is made from. It can also leave an unpleasant taste, as it is not meant to be ingested. Stick to an antibacterial dish soap.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: If your toothbrush is too stiff, you could accidentally damage the appliance.
- Clean Your Appliance 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, keeping your oral appliance fresh.
- Soak: About once a week, soak your appliance in water with a denture cleaning tablet. This will help to keep it even cleaner than you can with just brushing.
How to Store Your Oral Appliance
Keeping your oral appliance in a safe place is super important. Here are some tips to help:
- Keep your appliance in its case if you were provided with one. If not – you should invest in one. This will reduce your likelihood of losing it.
- Keep the case in a safe place. Put it in a spot that is inaccessible to small children or pets.
- Avoid keeping your oral appliance in a place that is exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Clean your oral appliance’s case. Bacteria can grow there too!
Your oral appliance is key to achieving quality sleep, so you must be caring for it! By using the tips listed above, you can increase the longevity of your appliance.
About the Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Dallas, we have a team that consists of a Sleep Dentist, Sleep Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and a Licensed Psychologist. It is our goal to help our patients achieve the quality, uninterrupted sleep they deserve. To learn more about oral appliance therapy or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (844) 409-4657.