Your sleep apnea dental appliance (snoring mouthpiece) is now part of your nighttime routine. You put it on before you go to bed and take it off in the morning. What happens when it’s not in your mouth though? What can you do to keep it clean? This guide explains how to clean a snoring mouthpiece so you get the best treatment possible.
Keep Your Teeth Clean
Your teeth spend multiple hours in your sleep apnea dental appliance. If they are dirty when they go inside, they will make your mouthpiece dirty as well. Cleaning your teeth before bed is a good habit to get into because it prevents bacteria from growing in your mouth at night. This will protect you from tooth decay and the cost of fillings, crowns, etc.
Brush and floss your teeth before putting on your dental appliance, and maintain good oral hygiene as a whole. This will make a big difference in the cleanliness of your snoring mouthpiece.
Avoid These Products And Chemicals
Before we explain how to clean your oral appliance, you need to make sure you avoid the following chemicals:
- Toothpaste
- Bleach
- Boiling water
- Stiff bristled brushes
- Hand soap
- Other cleansers not approved by your dentist
These chemicals can scratch or scuff your sleep apnea dental appliance. The hot water could cause it to warp, which would affect the way it fits in the mouth. Ideally, you should follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist to properly clean and disinfect your snoring mouthpiece.
How To Clean Your Snoring Mouthpiece
Use warm or room temperature water to rinse your dental appliance when you take it out. Every few days, you should wash it with a mix of dish soap and warm water. Do not put the appliance in a dishwasher or any other machine. Gently clean it with your fingers or a soft brush dedicated to this purpose (in other words, don’t use a soft toothbrush you use on your teeth).
After cleaning the appliance with soap and water, set it on a paper towel to dry. Once it has completely air dried, you can put it back in its storage container. If you notice scratches or other issues with the appliance, talk to your dentist to make sure it’s in usable condition. If you need to get a new one made, your dentist can arrange for that.
