Sleep Assessment
Did you know that about 22 million Americans have sleep apnea? CPAP therapy is a great solution for many people, but others find it uncomfortable and are unlikely to consistently use it. The good news is that oral appliances are also available to help patients get the uninterrupted sleep they need to thrive during the day. However, it’s important that you take the steps to care for your oral appliance so that it lasts. Read on to learn some tips for cleaning your oral appliance and the proper way to store it when it isn’t being worn.
6 Tips for Cleaning Your Oral Appliance
When you clean your oral appliance, remember to do the following.
- Don’t Use Toothpaste: Fluoridated toothpaste might be the best way to keep your teeth clean, but this isn’t the case for your oral appliance. Toothpaste is too abrasive, so it can cause damage, giving harmful bacteria more places to hide. Instead, use an antibacterial dish soap.
- No Boiling: Boiling water is great for disinfecting. However, your oral appliance should not be boiled. High temperatures can warp the appliance materials, causing it to not fit properly.
- Avoid Bleach: Bleach should always be avoided because it can break down the material that your appliance is made of. It can also leave an unpleasant taste, as it isn’t meant to be ingested. Stick to an antibacterial dish soap.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: If your toothbrush is too stiff, you could accidentally damage the appliance.
- Clean Your Appliance Daily: When you brush your teeth in the morning, this is a great time to clean your appliance as well. This way, you can remove excess bacteria, keeping your oral appliance fresh.
- Soak: About once a week, soak your appliance in water with a denture cleaning tablet. This will help to keep it even cleaner than you can with just brushing.
How to Store Your Oral Appliance
Keeping your oral appliance in a safe place is super important. Here are some tips to help.
- Keep your appliance in its case if you are provided with one. If not, you should invest in one. This will reduce your likelihood of losing it.
- Keep the case in a safe place. Put it in a spot that is inaccessible to small children or pets.
- Avoid keeping your oral appliance in a place that is exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Clean your oral appliance’s case. Bacteria will grow there too.
Your oral appliance is key to achieving quality sleep, so you must be caring for it. By using the tips listed above, you can increase the longevity of your appliance.
About the Author
Dr. Michael E. Michel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Since then, he has been committed to advanced training and continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. To learn more about oral appliances or to schedule an appointment at his office in Topeka, visit his website or call (785) 503-3162.