How to Clean a Night Guard

At Dr. Paul Bernstein’s Bay Ridge dental office, we assist patients suffering from jaw pain and teeth grinding as a result of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Night guards are a simple solution to both teeth grinding and throat obstructions, but they require daily maintenance to prevent bacterial build-up.


There are cleaning solutions approved for night guards by the American Dental Association, and anti-bacterial soap works well, too. But most night guard manufacturers still recommend brushing it daily after removing it in the morning. Patients should take care to avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush (which isn’t appropriate for anything dental-related) and to not use a cleaning solution that is reinforced with minerals for teeth. Extra fluoride could scratch the night guard, creating a home for bacteria. The water should also be room-temperature to eliminate the risk of warping.


The biggest difference between cleaning a night guard and a denture is that dentures should always be kept wet, but a night guard should be kept dry. Patients should pat it dry before storing it in a ventilated case that has also been cleaned with antibacterial soap and patted dry. At night, patients should always brush and floss before wearing the night guard, and if they notice it no longer fits, they should get it adjusted professionally.


Dr. Paul Bernstein runs Bernstein Dental Care at 350 91st St, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, New York, 11209. To schedule an appointment, visit Bernstein Dental Care or call 718-833-9191.


 

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