Did you know that an estimated 30 million people in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea? This occurs when your airways are blocked when you lay down at night, interrupting your circadian cycle. People with this disorder suffer from loud snoring, restlessness, excessive daytime exhaustion, and other issues.
Your sleep dentist can provide an oral appliance, like an occlusal splint, to reposition your jaw to prevent nighttime blockages. However, you must clean it correctly to prevent common problems, like gum disease or cavities, from developing. Continue reading to learn 3 hints for maintaining your dental device!
Tip #1: Establish a Routine
Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against unwanted germs that cause oral issues, but you tend to produce less of it at night. The drier conditions encourage microbes to flourish and cling to the surfaces of your dental appliance.
You can prevent this by brushing and flossing twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria to strengthen your grin and increase its resistance to enamel erosion and gum disease. Be sure to also cleanse your nightguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap that won’t abrade the surface to remove residue buildup.
Tip #2: Clean Its Container
Even if you regularly cleanse your mouth and your night-time device, you’ll reintroduce old germs if you never wash the carrying container. Bacteria can grow inside the storage box where you stow your oral appliance when you’re not wearing it. Then, they can reinfect your splint or mouthguard when you place it back in the case.
To keep it clean in the long run, you must also remove germs with soap and water regularly. Once it’s cleaned, you can dry it thoroughly with a paper towel or clean hand towel before placing the appliance back inside. Dishwasher-safe models are also available for purchase online for your convenience.
Tip #3: Schedule Routine Visits
Seeing your sleep dentist at least once annually allows them to monitor your current condition as well as examine your dental health and your oral device. Routine visits also allow them to update your medical history to note your progress with your nightly disorder. For example, they’ll track whether you’ve lost or gained weight, have other health concerns, or don’t feel like you’re getting the full benefits of your treatment.
They can also evaluate your device to ensure it’s still functioning as intended and isn’t overly worn or damaged. They’ll address any minor issues and work with you to replace your appliance if it’s too injured to be mended.
Caring for your sleep apnea device correctly keeps it in tip-top shape so you can continue to enjoy the benefits of a solid night’s rest!
About the Practice
Patients at Exceptional Dentistry Pain & Sleep Solutions benefit from a team of experts dedicated to helping them address the underlying issues contributing to their sleep apnea. With 10+ years of combined experience, they can help people of all ages rest more easily at night. They can help assess your sleep condition then work with you to provide treatments tailored to your unique needs, including oral appliances. You can request an appointment on the website or call (301) 460-3331.