An important aspect of your orthodontic treatment is your mouth guard. Even though many youngsters don’t relish wearing their mouth guard, it ensures that teeth remain in their new position and that the successful West Bradenton, FL orthodontics treatment is not undone. The mouth guard is durable, but not invincible so, to be sure it does the job right, it’s essential to understand how to care for and maintain it.

Clean and Sterilize it on a Regular Basis

Just like teeth and gums, the mouth guard needs daily cleaning. At the end of each day, carefully remove the mouth guard and rinse it under clear, running water that’s warm, but not hot. This will get rid of most of the saliva and any food debris. Note that using too hot water could warp the appliance slightly. Next, gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste. For mouthguards, a non-gel toothpaste is preferred. The brushing action will help keep the mouthguard free of bacteria.

Store it Properly

If the mouthguard isn’t in the mouth, it should be in its proper storage container, which will be provided by the orthodontist. Leaving it on the sink, on a towel, a countertop, a desk or other similar places can easily lead to accidents. Someone else in the family or at school can easily miss seeing it and accidentally knock it to the floor, or it can get bent if something is inadvertently placed on top of it. Make sure the storage case is clean as well, washing it with soap and water regularly. Keeping the mouth guard dry and stored in a protective case helps maintain its shape and function.

Your West Bradenton, FL orthodontist will provide you with official guidelines for cleaning and maintaining your mouth guard. For more information, contact us today.