A night guard is an essential device to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep. It is important to keep your night guard clean to ensure its effectiveness and longevity. If you prefer natural cleaning methods over harsh chemicals, here are some steps to clean your night guard naturally:
1. Start by rinsing: After removing your night guard in the morning, rinse it thoroughly with cool water. This will remove any saliva or loose debris from the surface.
2. Use a soft toothbrush: Gently brush your night guard using a soft toothbrush with a mild, natural toothpaste. Avoid using abrasive or whitening toothpaste as they can damage the night guard. Make sure to clean all the surfaces, including the inside, outside, and the crevices.
3. Vinegar solution: Fill a glass or bowl with equal parts of white vinegar and water. Submerge your night guard in this solution for 15-20 minutes. Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and helps remove any bacteria or residue. However, avoid using this method if your night guard has metal parts, as vinegar can corrode metal.
4. Baking soda paste: Create a thick paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water. Apply this paste to your night guard using a toothbrush or your fingers. Gently scrub the night guard and then rinse thoroughly with water. Baking soda is known for its gentle cleaning properties and can help remove stains and odors.
5. Hydrogen peroxide soak: If your night guard has no metal parts, you can prepare a hydrogen peroxide solution. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water in a glass or bowl. Soak your night guard in this solution for 15-20 minutes to kill bacteria. Rinse well with water before using it.
6. Lemon juice soak: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass or bowl and add an equal amount of water. Immerse your night guard in this mixture for 15-20 minutes. Lemon juice is a natural antibacterial agent and can help remove stains and freshen your night guard.
7. Sun drying: Before storing your night guard, make sure it is completely dry. Placing it in sunlight for a few hours can help kill bacteria and prevent any unpleasant odors.
BOTTOM LINE:
Cleaning your night guard naturally is achievable using gentle methods like rinsing, brushing with mild toothpaste, using vinegar or baking soda, and soaking in hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice solutions. Ensure you check if your night guard has any metal components that may be damaged by these cleaning methods. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance will ensure your night guard remains fresh, hygienic, and effective in protecting your teeth.
