How to Take Care of Your Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Wed 07/28/2021 - 09:00
If you have a sleep apnea oral appliance, you are probably wondering how you should take care of the appliance. Drs. Ivan and Allen Stein of New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions are your resources for sleep apnea oral appliance care. Read on as they share care and cleaning tips to keep your oral appliance in top condition.
Start With a Clean Mouth
The most important step in keeping your sleep apnea oral appliance in top condition is to start with a clean mouth. Brush and floss your teeth every night before using your oral appliance. If you forget to brush your teeth and still use your oral appliance, all of the food particles, plaque and bacteria that have built up during the day will be trapped on your teeth throughout the night. This increases the likelihood that you will develop cavities and/or an infection. It also makes it more difficult to keep your sleep apnea oral appliance clean.
Clean Your Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Every Morning
You should clean your sleep apnea oral appliance every morning when you remove it from your mouth. Clean your oral appliance by gently brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild antibacterial soap or denture cleaner. Remember, toothpaste is great for your teeth but may not be great for your oral appliance. Ask a member of the New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions team what cleaner will work best with your sleep apnea oral appliance.
Store Your Appliance Safely
You should store your sleep apnea oral appliance in a safe place. Did you know that pets love to chew on oral appliances? If you have pets, keep the appliance out of their reach. Depending on the appliance, it may need to either air dry or soak in water. Follow the storage instructions provided by your dentist.
Keep Your Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Away From Heat
Your oral appliance does not like heat. It is important to keep your appliance away from heat, including hot water. Do not leave your sleep apnea oral appliance in front of the window or in a hot vehicle. If your oral appliance is exposed to high temperatures, it can become warped and may no longer fit your mouth. Heat can also contribute to bacteria growth on your oral appliance.
Clean Your Storage Container
A dirty storage container will impact the cleanliness of your sleep apnea oral appliance. Clean your storage container weekly. Most storage containers can be cleaned with a mild antibacterial soap. Once you have cleaned the storage container, pat it dry.
Have Your Device Checked Regularly
Ask your dentist how often you should have your sleep apnea oral appliance checked. A regular checkup will depend on your needs, but many dentists recommend an annual device checkup. At the checkup, your dentist will make sure that the oral appliance is in top condition.
Contact Us With Questions
For more information on how to take care of your sleep apnea oral appliance, please call or email our office today.
