It’s important to take care of your sleep apnea dental appliance no matter where you go. Vacation season is quickly approaching, so you need to be prepared for bringing your mouthpiece with you. In this guide below, you will learn how to care for your sleep apnea appliance while traveling so you can continue your treatment during the trip.
Store Your Sleep Apnea Appliance In A Case
Chances are you already have a storage case for your sleep apnea appliance. This is designed to protect the mouthpiece from dirt and germs in the air while you are not using it. If you do not have a case, you will need to get one before you travel. As an alternative, you may use a plastic food container that is large enough to support your mouthpiece without damaging it.
Clean Your Teeth And Mouthpiece Like Normal
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can ignore your oral hygiene needs. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and rinse your mouthpiece after taking it out in the morning. Be sure to let it dry before you put it back into its carrying case. Keeping your teeth and mouthpiece clean will extend the life of your sleep apnea appliance and it will prevent tooth-decaying bacteria from forming in your mouth.
Get Adjustments Made Well Before You Travel
If you need an adjustment to your sleep apnea appliance, schedule an appointment with your Michigan dentist well before you travel. This will give you time to get the adjustments made and test them out before you go. You can also talk to your dentist about any special care your appliance will require when you’re gone. The friendly staff here at Clinton Dental Center would be more than happy to assist you.
Pack Your Mouthpiece In Your Carryon
If you are flying, make sure to pack your sleep apnea appliance in your carryon. This will allow you to use the mouth guard if you decide to sleep on the flight, and it will guarantee that you have it with you even if your luggage gets lost. This is a worst-case scenario, of course, but it is better to be prepared for that than to be left without a mouthpiece while you are on vacation.
Leave Room In Your Suitcase For Your Sleep Apnea Appliance
If you cannot bring your mouthpiece in your carryon or you don’t need a carryon at all (driving instead of flying), make sure to leave enough room in your suitcase for your sleep apnea treatment device. This is especially true if you are using a CPAP machine in addition to your mouth guard. That will take up a lot of space, and you will need to accommodate it accordingly.
