Caring For Your Night Guard
Your custom night guard protects your teeth from the powerful forces of grinding and clenching while you sleep, preventing worn, cracked, and sensitive teeth and easing jaw tension. A little getting-used-to and simple care keep it working for years.
Getting Used To It
- It feels bulky at first. That is normal and passes within a week or two as you adjust.
- Extra saliva or slight soreness the first few nights is common and settles.
- Wear it every night so it becomes routine and your teeth stay protected.
Cleaning It
- Rinse and brush it gently with a toothbrush and cool water after every use. No toothpaste, which can scratch it.
- Let it air dry with the case open before closing it, so it airs out and bacteria and odor cannot build up.
- Seat it gently when you wear it. It should feel snug, not forced.
Storing It
- Store it dry in its case once it has fully air dried.
- Never use hot water or leave it in a hot car. Heat warps it and ruins the fit.
- Keep it away from pets. Dogs love to chew them!
When To Replace It
- Slight yellowing over time is normal. But pink, green, blue, brown, or black coloring, or a lasting odor, means bacteria have set into the pores.
- At that point it is time for a new guard. Otherwise you place that bacteria back on your teeth every night.
Call Us If
- The guard feels sharp, rubs, or hurts your gums or teeth.
- It no longer fits or has cracked or warped.
- You see pink, green, blue, brown, or black coloring or a lasting odor.
- You still wake with jaw pain or headaches despite wearing it.
How To Keep It Clean And Bacteria-Free
Your saliva naturally carries bacteria, so every night your guard picks some up. Cleaning it right after each use is the best way to keep that bacteria from settling in. Neglect it even once or twice and the bacteria works into the pores, where it becomes very hard to remove.
- Clean it right after every use, then air dry it with the case open. This is what keeps bacteria from ever setting in.
- Keep it away from heat. Never hot water, never a hot car. Heat is what warps a guard and ruins the fit.
- Bring it to your cleanings. We check the fit and condition and let you know when it is time for a fresh one.
Clean it consistently and it will protect your teeth for years to come!
Questions about your night guard? Call the office anytime. We are here for you!
