{"id":319,"date":"2023-07-21T13:50:36","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T13:50:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleeprehab.com\/blog\/?p=319"},"modified":"2023-09-18T14:12:33","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T14:12:33","slug":"stay-clean-and-breathe-easy-tips-for-oral-appliance-maintenance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleeprehab.com\/blog\/stay-clean-and-breathe-easy-tips-for-oral-appliance-maintenance\/","title":{"rendered":"Stay Clean and Breathe Easy: Tips for Oral Appliance Maintenance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

According to\nthe American Medical Association and Johns Hopkins Medicine, sleep apnea\naffects about 30 million people in the\nUnited States, but only 6 million are diagnosed with the condition that could lead to life-threatening\nconsequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many\npeople choose to use a CPAP machine to help them sleep through the night, your sleep dentist<\/a> can offer alternatives known as oral appliances<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These mouthguard-like devices push the bottom jaw slightly forward, allowing for better airflow while you\u2019re asleep. They can be invaluable for treatment<\/a> of the disorder. Read on to learn how to take care of your oral appliance so it can better serve your needs.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Brush Your Oral Appliance Gently Each Morning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you sleep, bacteria grow on your teeth while you\u2019re taking\nin the night air. These bacteria can lead to foul smell or potentially make you\nsick if you continue to ingest them while wearing your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it\u2019s important to brush your oral appliance every\nmorning when you wake up. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently exfoliate\nthe appliance, making sure to use non-abrasive toothpaste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wear the Device on Clean Teeth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should practice a nightly oral health routine before bed.\nThis step is crucial to maintaining the cleanliness of your appliance and\npreventing discoloration and odor by limiting the number of bacteria present in\nyour mouth before putting on your oral appliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brushing your teeth and tongue with a fluoride toothpaste,\nflossing between your teeth, and rinsing with a non-alcoholic mouthwash or warm\nwater before bed will reduce your risk for cavities and other oral infections\nwhile you wear your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Store Your Oral Appliance Properly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While durable, your oral appliance is not indestructible.\nExposure to heat like the inside of a car console can cause the material to\nwarp, excessive trauma from being tossed around in luggage can cause damage,\nand being left exposed on a nightstand or sink can cause bacteria buildup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these scenarios can be avoided by storing your device in\na proper hard carrying case while it\u2019s not in use. Also, be sure that your oral\nappliance is clean and dry to avoid bacterial growth in storage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soak Your Oral Appliance Once a Week<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While not strictly necessary, it can be beneficial to soak your\ndevice once per week in a warm water\/vinegar solution or use a denture tablet for\n10 minutes to eliminate odors and loosen and flush any stuck-on plaque or food\ndebris that may be missed by brushing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a small, simple thing but can add years of life to your\noral appliance. Be sure to allow your device and its case to air-dry after\nsoaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have Your Device Checked by Your Dentist Annually<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finally, it\u2019s a great idea to have your oral appliance checked\nby your dentist at least once per year to ensure it\u2019s in proper working order.\nThis is especially true if you find that your device isn\u2019t performing as\nintended anymore or has become uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through these helpful tips, maintaining a cleaning routine for\nboth your teeth and your oral appliance will ensure that your sleep remains\nuninterrupted and your oral health stays intact. If you\u2019re ever unsure of what\nto do when cleaning, storing, or maintaining your device, ask your dentist.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Keane Fedosky<\/a> has served thousands of people with sleep apnea at Sleep Rehab\nSnoring, Sleep Apnea, & TMJ Treatment. He is a very knowledgeable and\ncompassionate dentist with over twenty years of experience in the field of oral\nappliance applications. Dr. Fedosky is also a member of the American Academy of\nDental Sleep Medicine, a professional organization that supports the continued\neducation and technology of highly skilled sleep dentists. To schedule an appointment,\nvisit the website here<\/a> or call (972) 753-3737 for more information on oral appliances\nand other services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

According to the American Medical Association and Johns Hopkins Medicine, sleep apnea affects about 30 million people in the United States, but only 6 million are diagnosed with the condition that could lead to life-threatening consequences. While many people choose to use a CPAP machine to help them sleep through the night, your sleep dentist […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nTips for Oral Appliance Maintenance | Sleep Rehab & TMJ Treatment<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Sleep apnea affects many people every year, but oral appliances can help. 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