If you wear an oral sleep appliance to help you breathe comfortably so you can get a proper night’s rest, you likely already know how important these devices are. Naturally, you’ll want to take the best care possible of yours to ensure it lasts as long as possible. But how exactly should you care for your sleep appliance? Here’s a closer look at why keeping your device squeaky clean is so important, and the best ways to do it!
The Importance of Cleaning Your Oral Device
When you have an oral appliance such as a sleep apnea device, it is very important to keep it clean to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. By failing to do so, it can accumulate bacteria and plaque buildup that may affect its fit and performance. Worse yet, improper cleaning can leave your mouth vulnerable to a variety of oral health problems, including tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and even oral infections like thrush, streptococcus and staphylococcus.
How to Clean Your Oral Device
The good news is that oral appliances are very easy to keep clean. Here are a few tips and tricks to help:
- Each morning, gently brush your device with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand soap. Never use anything abrasive like toothpaste.
- Rinse in lukewarm water. Never use anything excessively hot or boiling.
- Never clean your device with alcohol or bleach.
- You can soak your appliance in retainer or denture soak if you’d like.
- For a deeper clean, you can use an ultrasonic cleaning machine (available on sites like Amazon for under $50).
- Be sure to rinse your appliance well. Then, gently pat it dry, and store it in its container out of reach of pets and children.
Furthermore, it is important to start off with a clean slate, so be sure to brush and floss your teeth well before putting your device in your mouth each night. This will help limit its exposure to plaque and food debris while you sleep.
How Your Dentist Can Help, Too
In addition to cleaning your oral sleep appliance each time you wear it, it is also important to schedule it for regular deep cleanings with your dentist. At these appointments, your dental team will make sure that your device is free of any debris and buildup, so it looks and fits perfectly. They will also ensure that it fits you comfortably, so it continues to work properly and does not put your teeth and soft tissues at risk of damage or infection.
Remember, your oral appliance was designed to help you get a good night’s sleep without the use of forced air. But for it to continue performing optimally, you’ll need to keep it clean when you’re not wearing it. Thus, follow the tips above, and your device should continue to help you rest comfortably for as long as possible.
About Dr. Hutto
Dr. Dean Hutto earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston and has been treating sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy for many years. He is a proud, active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association, just to name a few. To schedule an appointment for an oral sleep appliance at Sleep Better Baytown, visit our website or call 281-422-8249.