How to Care for Mouthguards in Dentistry
Several dental appliances are fashioned for dental works. It would be difficult to achieve excellent results without the use of dental appliances. When it comes to sleep apnea, for instance, dental appliances are necessary for the treatment. It is the appliance that allows you to breathe better, enjoy better quality sleep, and avoid possible surgery. If you think about it, dental appliances are a great way to enjoy non-invasive treatments to improve the quality of your life. Here is more about oral applications used in treating sleep apnea, and how you can care for them.
What Is A Mouthguard?
It is a protective gear created for the oral cavity. The role of most types of mouthguards is to shield your teeth, and ultimately your jawbone, from external impact. A great example is when you are involved in high-contact sports like boxing. You require a mouthguard on your teeth to protect them from breaking, cracking, falling out, as well as sustaining fractures on your jawbone.
However, that is not all mouthguards are useful for, in dentistry. A dentist in Vancouver will tell you that the mouthguards are a big part of treating sleeping conditions. One major sleeping problem diagnosed in dentistry is sleep apnea. It is a sleep disorder that obstructs your airways, making it difficult for you to sleep properly. Ideally, patients with sleep apnea suffer from brief shortness of breath during the night while they sleep. This can prove very fatal to their overall health.
Treating sleep apnea is dependent on the type of condition you have, and how severe it is. In most cases, mouthguards for sleeping are used to treat moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. Their use at night at the reason they are sometimes referred to as night guards.
Tips for Choosing the Best Mouthguard
Given that there are different types of mouthguards available in dentistry, it is important to be careful about your choice. The choice of a mouthguard will go a long way in treating your sleeping problem. The idea is to choose one that works for you, without worsening the situation. Some tips for choosing the best mouthguards include:
- Dentist’s recommendation – before you think of making a purchase, the first place you should visit is a dental facility. It is important to let your dentist know about your condition, and how it obstructs you from regular life activities. Besides, before buying a mouthguard, you need a correct diagnosis of the type of sleep apnea you have, and the best possible course of action.
- The fit – how well the mouthguard fits you will affect how effective they are. This is why dentists recommend dental custom mouthguards as they are fitted to your exact dentition.
- Durability – while mouthguards are not meant to last forever, it would be a waste to have to get rid of them after a week. For treating your sleeping disorder, opt for a type that can last longer than a few weeks.
How to Look After Your Mouthguard
Taking care of your mouthguard will affect how long it lasts. Besides, given that it is something you wear on your mouth, it is important to keep it as clean as possible. Some of the tips for taking care of your mouthguard include the following:
- Keep your teeth clean – while your mouthguard may be clean and ready for use. The same is not always the case with your mouth. Be sure to brush, floss, and rinse your mouth every time before you wear the mouthguards.
- Always check for scratches and damage – they can easily deem the appliance unusable.
- Avoid using hot water as it can damage the mouthguard.
- Clean them – every chance you get, be sure to leave your mouthguard clean and ready for use.
How to Clean Your Mouthguard
- Use warm water to rinse your appliance immediately you take it off.
- Wash it every couple of days – use dish soap and warm water to do this. Avoid toothpaste and bleaches.
- Use your fingers to clean it – any sharpies and abrasive brushes will damage the appliance. Otherwise, ask your dentist for a recommendation on a soft brush you can use for this purpose.
- Always air-dry