4 Tips for Taking Care of Your Night Guard

Night guards are great devices that help protect teeth from the damaging effects of grinding or clenching through the night. Guards also can help fight against gum problems (including recession) and loose teeth all while giving cushion to the muscles in the jaw. With benefits such as these, it’s important to consistently wear a night guard if suggested by a dentist and take exceptional care of it. Here are a few tips on how to keep your guard in its best shape.

Rinse

It’s great to get into the habit of rinsing your mouthguard under cool water right after you wake up. This helps remove any saliva and bacteria that accumulated on overnight.

Brush

After rinsing, gently brush your guard with a wet toothbrush and a little liquid soap (no toothpaste necessary). Doing this will help remove the plaque stuck in hard-to-rinse places and ensure that your mouthguard is being scrubbed clean.

Air Dry

This tip is vital for maintaining good hygiene. After cleaning off your guard, leave it to air dry completely in a clean area. Placing a wet or damp guard back into a case can promote bacterial and mold growth, which can undo all the cleaning steps you did that morning.

Store

Just as it is important to keep your guard clean, the same goes for your case. You don’t want to store your guard in a case that is damp, dirty, or old. Be sure to use the case given to you by your dentist or orthodontist and aim to clean out the case in warm water once a week to prevent bacterial build-up.

Taking care of your night guard is just one of the many ways that you can help improve and maintain your oral health. Here at Dr. Drew and Crew, our services include creating a customized night guard to best protect your teeth and dental needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

https://drdrewandcrew.com/contact/
520 S. 14th St.
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
479-242-3739