Oral appliances are amazing alternatives to CPAP machines that require no electricity, tubing, or awkward masks. But just because they’re easier to wear doesn’t mean you don’t need to take care of them. Thankfully, keeping your custom device clean is very easy. Here’s a closer look at how to maintain your appliance, and why it’s so important!
The Dangers of a Dirty Device
Your oral appliance is meant to fit comfortably in your mouth while you’re sleeping, so it’s probably safe to say that most people won’t see it or you wearing it. But even though it may quite literally never see the light of day, it’s still extremely important that you keep it clean. Failure to do so can make the device look, smell, and taste bad. Not only that, but plaque and bacteria buildup can make it less effective, as this can change the fit. It can also increase your risk of developing cavities or decay by trapping bacteria against your teeth while you wear it.
How Can I Keep My Oral Appliance Clean?
First and foremost, the best way to ensure your device stays as clean as possible is to brush and floss your teeth before putting it in your mouth. That way, you’ll be less likely to trap dangerous particles in place overnight or get the appliance dirty.
There are several effective ways to keep the it clean, including:
- Gently brush the entire device with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using hand soap and warm water. Rinse it well, pat it dry, and store it in its container.
- You can use a denture or retainer soak to soak the device. This can help keep it clean, but may not be as effective as brushing alone, so it is recommended that you do this in addition to brushing.
- You can also use an ultrasonic device available at Amazon for around $35. These machines use sound waves to essentially create tons of microscopic bubbles that clean your appliance using just water (though you can add some denture soak for good measure).
- Schedule a regular deep cleaning with your dentist. This can be done when you have your preventive exam and cleaning every six months, or sooner if you need it. Just call their office and they’ll be happy to help!
Remember, your oral sleep appliance was designed specifically for you to give you the most comfortable night’s rest possible. But to get the most from your device, you’ll need to keep it clean. If you have any questions about caring for or maintaining it, or to schedule a deep cleaning, contact your dentist today and get a good (clean) night’s rest without the fuss of CPAP!
About Dr. Teasdale
Dr. Russell Teasdale earned his undergraduate degree at Pomona College in Claremont, CA and his dental doctorate at the Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis. Since then, he’s spent his 40+ year career learning as much as he could about dentistry and has attended thousands of hours of continuing education at places like the esteemed Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), the Institute for Minimally Invasive Dentistry, and the World Congress of Lasers in Dentistry. He has also previously partnered with the VIVOS institute and Spear Education. To schedule an appointment for sleep apnea treatment at Evolution Dental, visit our website or call us today at 503-974-3829.