For years, you’ve felt like you’ve been robbed of a good night’s rest, but now there’s a way to treat your sleep apnea in State College with an oral appliance. Thus, you’ll no longer have to worry about all of the adverse side effects that come along with constant interruptions to your sleep cycle. As you continue reading, your local dentist will give you some tips on how to keep your appliance clean so that you don’t invite any unwanted critters into your mouth.
What is the Oral Appliance?
Before we discuss how to clean it, let’s make sure that we have a working understanding of what the oral appliance is. It’s an alternative to the typical sleep apnea treatment of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which some patients find to be cumbersome and uncomfortable.
The oral appliance is smaller, silent and portable, but can still be a magnet for bacteria if not cleaned properly.
How to Clean an Oral Appliance
Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when cleaning your unit:
- Don’t use toothpaste – Toothpaste is abrasive and can leave scratches on your oral appliance. Microorganisms can hide in the tiny crevasses created, leaving odors and causing oral hygiene issues.
- Avoid using boiling water – Boiling water can warp your unit. A misshaped appliance can be uncomfortable and irritate your mouth.
- Don’t bleach it – Using bleach should be avoided because it can break down the unit’s material and leave an unpleasant taste. Instead, use liquid dish detergent with an anti-bacterial agent to wash it, followed by a thorough rinse.
- Use a soft brush – When cleaning with detergent, you should use a soft brush that won’t damage the unit.
- Avoid drops – Dropping your appliance can break it, so it’s best to place it in a safe place when you remove it or keep a towel handy to sit it on.
Once you clean your oral appliance, it’s equally important that you store it properly.
Tips for Storing Your Appliance
Keep these tips in mind when thinking of where to store your appliance:
- As best you can, keep your unit away from children and pets.
- If you received a storage container, be sure to use it because it was crafted specifically for that purpose. Thus, it will provide the best protection.
- Avoid storing your appliance in any extreme temperature areas. Instead, seek out a dry, cool, dark place.
- Finally, be sure to keep your storage case as clean as the device. You don’t want to clean your unit only to put it inside of your soiled case and infest it with bacteria.
Your ability to get proper rest is of paramount importance, so protect the unit that will aid you in doing that. If you have any other questions about how to care for your oral appliance, just reach out to your local dentist.
About the Author
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Donald M. Marks has over four decades of experience as a dentist. Yet, he still strives to expand his knowledge, which is why he remains affiliated with such professional organizations as the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and others. Dr. Marks practices at State College Dental Sleep Medicine and can be reached for more information through his website.