{"id":155,"date":"2025-12-22T18:02:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T18:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.evolutiondentalpdx.com\/blog\/?p=155"},"modified":"2025-12-22T18:02:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T18:02:15","slug":"how-to-clean-an-oral-appliance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.evolutiondentalpdx.com\/blog\/?p=155","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Best Way to Clean My Oral Appliance?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Oral appliances<\/a> are amazing alternatives to CPAP machines that require no electricity, tubing, or awkward masks. But just because they\u2019re easier to wear doesn\u2019t mean you don\u2019t need to take care of them. Thankfully, keeping your custom device clean is very easy. Here\u2019s a closer look at how to maintain your appliance, and why it\u2019s so important!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Dangers of a Dirty Device<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your oral appliance is meant to fit comfortably in your mouth while you\u2019re sleeping, so it\u2019s probably safe to say that most people won\u2019t see it or you wearing it. But even though it may quite literally never see the light of day, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Keep My Oral Appliance Clean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ll be less likely to trap dangerous particles in place overnight or get the appliance dirty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several effective ways to keep the it clean, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n