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Your night guard is an important tool for protecting your teeth against damage from grinding. Since it is so important, you should care for it properly to prevent it from becoming damaged. With the right care, you can get your guard to last for many years to come. Keep reading to find out how you can make that happen.

Keep it clean

Night guards are the ultimate place for harmful microorganisms to thrive. The environment is dark and moist, allowing bacteria and mold to grow. These can even allow life-threatening forms of yeast, mold, and bacteria to grow. The germs in night guards can cause staph or strep infections, which might spread throughout the body.

The night guard should be cleaned after each use with soap and water and scrubbed gently with a toothbrush. Some denture or guard cleaners can also be used. However, these should not have alcohol in them, which can dry out the material. Patients should never boil the guard or place it in the dishwasher to clean it. The hot temperatures can damage the material or cause it to warp and no longer fit.

Avoid trimming the night guard

Every part of the guard is important for keeping the mouth protected during the night. This includes the shape, the crumple zones, and the perforations. Trimming it will remove this protection. Plus, the teeth might be at a higher risk of getting damaged. If some areas poke the mouth, the patient can take it to the dentist for an adjustment.

Care for the night guard properly

The customized night guard should fit around the teeth snugly. If the patient can chew on the guard, it is likely not fitting properly. The patient should also avoid having the night guard in while eating. It is a good idea to have any nighttime snacks and brush the teeth before putting in the guard.

The guard also needs to be stored properly. While this tool needs to be strong to keep the teeth protected, it is not unbreakable. It should be kept in a hard plastic container that snaps closed. But before placing it in the container, it should be allowed to air dry. It is a good idea to look for an antimicrobial case to keep out harmful organisms.

But even with the right care, patients should remember that night guards will not last forever. Over time, the material will begin to wear down. This will depend on how much the patient grinds. However, some dentists may recommend getting a new night guard every three to five months.

Choose a night guard today

Night guards are important for keeping your teeth from being worn down during grinding. While your night guard will not last forever, you can extend its life with the right care. From cleaning to proper storage, it is not hard to get it to last for a long time to come. Making an appointment with your dentist is a good way to get started with night guards.

Request an appointment here: https://www.thedentistindenverco.com or call Gregg L Lage DDS, PC at 303-427-4552 for an appointment in our Denver office.