Keeping your night guard in top condition is not only important for preventing dental damage, but it can also prove to be beneficial for your long term health. When you make a conscious effort to look after and care for your night guard on a regular basis, you can enjoy the full benefits that come with having a well-maintained mouthpiece. 

Let's explore the advantages of caring for your night guard regularly and how it can help improve your overall oral health.

• Improved Comfort

If you're one of the many people who wear a night guard for teeth grinding or clenching, you know that it's not always the most comfortable thing in the world. But did you know that regular cleaning can actually make a big difference in how comfortable your night guard is? 

By removing bacteria, food particles, and any other gunk that might be stuck to your night guard, you can avoid unpleasant odors and irritations that can make wearing it a chore. 

Plus, a clean night guard is just more pleasant to wear overall, which means you're more likely to keep using it and getting the full benefits over time. So next time you're tempted to skip cleaning your night guard, remember: a little bit of effort now can pay off in a big way.

• Less Bacteria

Did you know that your night guard, though helpful in protecting your teeth from grinding and clenching, can also be a breeding ground for bacteria? Cleaning your night guard regularly can prevent the buildup of bacteria that may cause bad breath or even lead to dental problems such as cavities and gum disease. 

It may be tempting to skip the cleaning process, but a simple rinse and scrub with a toothbrush can make a big difference in keeping your mouth healthy. So, take a few minutes to clean your night guard before bed and start waking up with a fresh and healthy smile!

• It Will Last Longer

If you're one of the many people who wear a night guard, you know firsthand how important it is to take good care of it. Not only does it provide much-needed protection for your teeth, but it can also be a considerable investment. 

Thankfully, there are several things you can do to help maintain the longevity of your night guard. Cleaning it regularly and properly is crucial, as this helps to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and plaque that can cause it to deteriorate over time. 

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a proper cleaner, you can effectively remove any bacterial buildup  that may have accumulated on your night guard. If you’d like to learn how to clean a night guard, visit JS Dental Lab to learn more. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your night guard in top condition and enjoy it for years to come.

• Reduce Risk of Infection 

Unclean mouth guards can be a breeding ground for bacteria which may lead to infections and allergies when worn for long periods of time without proper care. Just like any other dental appliance, it needs to be cleaned regularly to keep bacteria at bay. 

Neglecting to clean it can lead to a buildup of unwanted germs that can cause dental infections. Not only that, but a dirty night guard can also cause bad breath or make the appliance less effective over time. Luckily, cleaning your night guard is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. 

You can soak it in a cleansing solution or use a gentle toothbrush to clean it thoroughly. By taking the time to clean your night guard regularly, you can reduce your risk of developing a dental infection and keep your smile healthy and bright.

1. Improved Performance

When you don’t clean your night guard, the buildup of bacteria can eventually cause the appliance to become less effective. Not only that, but dirt and debris can clog up small crevices making it difficult for your mouth guard to fit properly and do its job. 

Regular cleaning helps improve the performance of your night guard by keeping it free from food particles, plaque buildup, and other debris that can prevent it from functioning the way it was designed to. So don’t forget to give your night guard a good scrub every now and then — it will thank you for it!

Conclusion

Cleaning your night guard is a simple and important step in protecting your teeth and keeping your mouth healthy. Taking the time to clean it regularly can make a big difference in its performance, longevity, and overall health. It’s also an easy way to keep bad breath at bay and reduce the risk of dental infections. So don’t forget to give your night guard some TLC and enjoy a fresh, healthy smile every morning.