Night guards, also known as dental splits, are basically formed to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. But over time, calcium buildup on night guard which makes them less comfortable while wearing. Don't worry because we are here to help you find a solution. In this guide, you can learn how to remove calcium on mouth guard well and keep it fresh.
The formation of calcium is caused by several factors, such as saliva, bacteria, and plaque. This makes your night guard look yellow and cloudy, leading to a bad smell. If you don't know how to clean your nightguard, in this article, you can learn about removing calcium from a mouthguard. We provide detailed information about night guard cleaning, and we will guide you through the process of removing calcium on mouth guard step by step.
The Problem with Calcium Buildup
When the calcium builds on your night guard, it is the real problem. It not only makes the nightguard look dirty but also becomes less effective in preventing your teeth from grinding and clenching. Calcium buildup on your nightguard causes you to fit poorly and become uncomfortable while wearing it.
If it's not confirming that calcium is built or not on your nightguard, take a closer look at it. You can see the yellow and white spots on the surface. If there are spots, then you have to clean the night guard.
What Causes Calcium Buildup?
Calcium buildup on the nightguard is a common problem. A combination of things given below causes this:
Saliva and Minerals
Salvia contain some minerals that build up on your night guard with time. This is because when you have a lot of saliva or if you wear a night guard for a long period of time, then calcium builds up.
Bacteria and Plaque
Another reason is bacteria and plaque on your night guard. They can break down the minerals in your saliva, which leads to deposits on your night.
How to Avoid Calcium Buildup?
Calcium buildup on your nightguard can be annoying, but it's usually easy to prevent them. Here are some tips on removing calcium on a night guard easily:
Rinse Thoroughly
The best way to prevent your nightguard from calcium buildup is to rinse your night guard thoroughly with warm water after use. These food particles, saliva, and bacteria will be removed completely.
Brush Regularly
Using the soft toothbrush and continuously brushing your night guard helps you to remove calcium buildup. Also, use better toothpaste or denture cleaner to scrub all the dirty materials.
Soak in a Cleaning Solution
When you soak your denture cleaner or a mixture of water with vinegar, it will help you remove all the tough materials and save your night guard through calcium buildup. Always follow the dental denture cleaner instructions and use limited water and vinegar.
Store Properly
If you want to prevent your nightguard from calcium buildup, store your night guard in a clean and dry case when you are not using it. Prevent it from damp or dirty places.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
If you do regular dental checkups, it is the best way to maintain good oral health and also the health of your nightguard. Your dentist completely checks if there are any spots that occur or not, and if there is any dirt, the doctor will clean it immediately.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Night Guard
Removing calcium from nightguard is very important, and there are several reasons why it is important to clean it:
Preventing Damage
When the calcium buildup on your nightguard becomes weaker, serious damage will occur like cracks or breaks. When you become punctual in removing calcium on night guard it remains safe and clean.
Maintaining Comfort
When calcium buildup occurs on your night guard, it becomes uncomfortable while wearing it. It makes rough and dirty surfaces that irritate your gums and cheeks. When you keep it clean and clear, it becomes long-lasting and reduces the risk of irritation.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Night Guard?
If you are looking for an amazing tool that handles the pain of TMJ and teeth grinding, then Night Guard is the best option, and it can be replaced over time. The following points describe when you will replace your night guard:
- Visible damage: When the night guard gets cracked, chipped or is not able to wear, it's time to replace it with a new one. When the night guards get damaged, they do not give proper protection and become uncomfortable to wear.
- Loss of effectiveness: After noticing that your TMJ symptoms are increasing or teeth grinding is becoming severe, it may indicate that your night guard is no longer giving you protection.
- Discomfort or pain: Having pain or feeling discomfort while wearing will be a sign to replace the night guard. When the changes occur in your bite or jaw, they can make it less comfortable and reduce its protection power.
- Bad fit: As time passes, your bite or jaw alignment changes, causing your night guard to be less affected. Simply put, a poorly fit night guard did not protect well and would increase jaw pain.
- Regular cleaning isn't enough: Washing or cleaning your night guard is not enough. As time passes, calcium or other deposits build up. If you realize these deposits are not washed with regular cleaning, replace your night guard.
FAQs
Can I wear my night guard during the day?
When your dentist allows, you will be able to wear your night guard during the day. So, it's important to visit your doctor for proper instructions before using a night guard.
Can I use regular toothpaste to clean my night guard?
Yes, you can use regular toothpaste to clean your nightguard, a denture cleaning solution, or a mixture of water and vinegar; they are the most effective way to remove calcium that builds up on your nightguard.
How often should I clean my night guard?
After using your nightguard, or in case of calcium buildup on it, you can clean it once a day. It's essential to stop the growth of bacteria.