Night Guard Care

Night guard care ensures the appliance remains effective and hygienic. Daily cleaning involves rinsing immediately after removal (saliva hardens quickly), brushing gently with a soft toothbrush and cold water (no toothpaste), and allowing to air dry completely in the case before storing. Deep clean weekly with denture cleaning tablets, hydrogen peroxide solution, or mild dish soap. Storage guidelines: always keep in a ventilated case (closed container retains moisture, promoting bacterial growth), keep away from heat (hot cars, direct sunlight — warping occurs above 60°C/140°F), and bring to dental appointments for fit verification. Replace night guards when they show signs of wear: visible holes, thinning, distortion, or poor fit. Custom hard acrylic guards typically last 5-10 years; soft guards last 6-12 months. Avoid clenching during the day and consider stress management techniques to complement night guard therapy.