Care Tips for Your Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance

We’re so happy that you’ve found relief from your sleep apnea in Weatherford with a removable oral appliance. Now we want to help you keep your device clean for years of comfortable use. Keep reading for the top care tips for your sleep apnea oral appliance!

#1: Brush before and after each use

Insufficient cleaning of your oral appliance can create an easy breeding ground for the bacteria that causes plaque, tartar and decay. Because the mouth is less hydrated during sleep, it’s easier for these things to build up anyway — and wearing an oral device holds them close to the vulnerable tooth enamel. To make sure that your oral device is clean every night, brush it (and your teeth) before and after each use. Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste and the same soft toothbrush you use for your own teeth. Brush thoroughly over the entire surface of the device.

#2: Store the appliance dry

When cleaning your oral appliance, one of the most important things to remember is that you should never soak your device for more than 15 minutes — and you should always store it dry. Excessive soaking can wear away at the device, gradually diminishing its effectiveness until a replacement is necessary. It’s best to brush, dry and store dry your appliance during the day (or whenever you’re not sleeping).

#3: Watch the water’s temperature

Use only cool or room temperature water to clean your appliance. Hot water can dull the finish of the device or cause it to warp. If you’re ever in doubt, the same basic rules apply for your device as they do for your teeth — and you certainly wouldn’t approach your mouth with boiling water.

#4: Choose your cleaning products carefully

You should brush your retainer with a regular toothpaste. Make sure you don’t choose any type of whitening, peroxide, baking soda, tartar control or other abrasive blend. These can strip away the finish of the device.

Additionally, you should avoid mouthwashes containing colors or alcohol as well as effervescent denture soaks. In addition to damaging, staining or dulling the device, these solutions can also void the warranty of your appliance.

Questions? Contact Us Today!

If you’ve still got questions regarding the maintenance of your oral device, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Romack’s office. You deserve the best in treatment for sleep apnea near Aledo — contact us to book your visit today!