Why Is My Night Guard Discolored?
A night guard is a thermoplastic device that covers all the teeth on the upper or lower jaws. The Loveland dentist may prescribe a night guard for people who grind their teeth when asleep. This device is made from clear plastic, which can discolor over time. Read on to learn why your night guard gets discolored and what to do about it.
What Does a Night Guard Do?
A dentist may prescribe a night guard after diagnosing bruxism or a TMJ disorder. The device separates your top and bottom teeth and reduces the pressure on them. Night guards are recommended for the reasons below.
- Prevent Teeth Damage
People who grind their teeth wear down the enamel. As a result, they experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks. Also, their risk of decay, cavities and dental pulp infections increases. When they wear night guards, they reduce the grinding pressure on teeth preventing damage.
- Prevent dental restoration damage
If you clench the jaw or grind your teeth, you may damage existing teeth restorations. Wearing a night guard helps to prevent damaging dental fillings and crowns. It also prevents damage to veneers, bridges or implants. In addition, the device protects you from fractures on restored teeth.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw and the skull allowing jaw movement. If you clench your jaw when asleep, the muscles in the joint are affected. As a result, you will experience difficulty chewing, headaches and ear pain. Wearing a night guard will prevent the disorder from developing and helps to ease the symptoms.
Why Is My Night Guard Discolored?
Your mouth contains bacteria and food debris. Although you may brush your teeth twice daily, some bacteria and food particles may remain. Over time, plaque and tartar form on the teeth. So, when you wear your night guard, some plaque and tartar get transferred to it. If not appropriately cleaned daily, the material of the night guard will turn yellowish.
Your night guard can also discolor when exposed to calcium deposits from your teeth. When this occurs, you will notice white spots on your device. Another cause of discoloration is letting saliva sit on the night guard for a long time. The saliva creates a yellowing effect on the oral appliance.
Generally, discoloration on your night guard indicates poor oral hygiene. It may show that you do not clean your teeth properly before using the protective device. Alternatively, it may suggest you neglect cleaning your guard correctly each day.
Why Should I Clean My Night Guard?
Cleaning your mouthguard is an integral part of oral hygiene. Not cleaning your guard leads to bacteria buildup and cavities and increases your risk of other oral health issues. An unclean night guard causes persistent foul breath. You should clean your night guard to prevent these issues and help it to last longer.
Does Baking Soda Clean the Night Guard?
Yes, baking soda cleans a night guard. It contains a natural ingredient that eliminates the yellowish appearance and foul odor of the device. To clean your guard with baking soda, combine water and baking soda in equal parts to form a paste. Use a soft brush and the paste to clean your night guard. If it is too stained, soak it for 30 minutes, rinse and then air dry.
Tips to Keep My Night Guard Clean
Cleaning your guard prevents foul breath and plaque buildup. Below are some tips to help you keep your device clean and prevent staining and oral health issues.
- Clean your night guard immediately after you take it out. Use lukewarm water and fragrance-free dish soap to clean your device. You may also use mild toothpaste, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. Allow it to air dry or dry it thoroughly using a soft cloth afterwards.
- Soak your night guard once a week to prevent bacteria buildup. Use a dentist-approved soaking solution to avoid damaging the appliance.
- Store your device correctly when not in use. Put it in its protective case to minimize the amount of contact with bacteria in the materials around it or the air.
- Keep your device dry when not in use. Moisture or saliva promotes bacteria regrowth leading to foul odors and discoloration.
- Contact us at Fox Creek Dental by Espire Loveland for help cleaning or replacing your severely discolored night guard.