Take Care of Your Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance to Extend Its Longevity

Sleep apnea, as defined by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is your airway gets blocked while you sleep, causing you to stop breathing for a few seconds. One of the most common treatments for mild-to-moderate sleep apnea is a dental device, such as a mandibular advancement device (MAD). These look like regular mouth guards or retainers and work by pushing the lower jaw and tongue forward slightly while sleeping, which can help keep your tongue and throat muscles from collapsing and obstructing your airway.

Caring for your sleep apnea device

Keeping these mouthpieces clean is one of the most important parts of caring for your sleep apnea device. Your mouth is warm and moist, which is the ideal environment for bacteria to breed, which leads to odor and stains. You also want to keep your mouthpiece clean since it sits on your teeth all night. A dirty mouthpiece can lead to gum infection or tooth decay. The following are tips on how to keep your sleep apnea device clean and smelling fresh.

Avoid heat

Extreme heat, such as boiling water or being near a heater, can warp or deform the plastic or other parts of the device.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Not only can harsh chemicals, such as bleach, damage the materials that make up your device, but they can also leach into your device's material, which can then damage your teeth and gums.

Brush your teeth before wearing

Brushing your teeth before wearing your dental device ensures that you are removing any food particles and plaque, so they do not get pressed up against your teeth all night, creating a perfect environment for bacteria. This will help you avoid potentially serious dental issues.

Always clean after wearing

It is also important to clean your dental device after wearing it and before storing it. Depending on the type of dental device you have, cleaning it may require a toothbrush and toothpaste or a mild soap or even a combination of the two.

Do not leave in water

Your dental device should be dried thoroughly after cleaning and should never be stored submerged in water, as that can lead to damage. Instead, keep your device stored in a cool, dry place. The case it came in is usually your best bet. Don’t forget to clean that frequently as well! It is typically recommended to clean your case on a weekly basis.

Do weekly deep cleans

About once each week, you should give your dental device a deep clean. Some people like to use denture tablets, while others prefer to use water and white vinegar. Either way, you’ll want to leave the device submerged for about five minutes and scrub with a soft-bristled brush before rinsing and drying thoroughly.

The bottom line

Cleaning and caring for your dental appliance is as important as keeping your teeth and mouth clean. Your dentist will go over the specific care instructions for your sleep apnea dental device, so combined with the tips above, you’ll have a sparkling clean dental device!

Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Bye-Bye Hard Tooth Plaque: Say Hello To A Healthier Smile!

Get ready to say goodbye to stubborn tooth plaque and say hello to a brighter, healthier smile! St. George Dental Care proudly presents the ultimate guide on combating hard tooth plaque. As we all know, oral health is crucial for our overall well-being and is a reflection of our internal health. While brushing twice daily…

Boost Your Dental Health: Fluoride Treatments For Adults Made Easy

Here at St. George Dental Care, we care about our patients and want to help educate and empower them. Welcome to our blog, where we provide valuable information and tips for maintaining excellent dental health. When caring for our teeth, many people associate fluoride treatments with children's dental care. However, the truth is that adults…

Find The Ultimate Mother's Day Gift In The World Of Dental Care!

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and we all know that finding the perfect gift for our moms can be daunting. But what if this year you could give your mother a gift that not only shows how much you care about her but also contributes to her overall health and well-being? That's right,…

Find Out: Does Dental Insurance Cover Veneers?

Are you curious to know if dental insurance covers veneers? If you're considering investing in new veneers to enhance your smile's brightness and beauty, you may be wondering about the cost and potential coverage by your dental insurance. While fillings, root canals, and extractions are typically covered, determining whether veneers fall into the same category…

Recent Posts

Bye Bye Hard Tooth Plaque: Say Hello To A Healthier Smile!

Bye-Bye Hard Tooth Plaque: Say Hello To A Healthier Smile!

Get ready to say goodbye to stubborn tooth plaque and say hello to a brighter, healthier smile! St. George Dental Care proudly presents the ultimate guide on combating hard tooth plaque. As we all know, oral health is crucial for our overall well-being and is a reflection of our internal health. While brushing twice daily…

Boost Your Dental Health: Fluoride Treatments For Adults Made Easy

Boost Your Dental Health: Fluoride Treatments For Adults Made Easy

Here at St. George Dental Care, we care about our patients and want to help educate and empower them. Welcome to our blog, where we provide valuable information and tips for maintaining excellent dental health. When caring for our teeth, many people associate fluoride treatments with children's dental care. However, the truth is that adults…