Torbram Dental weighs in on the importance of caring for oral appliances properly. (Source: Dear Doctor, 10 Tips for Cleaning Your Oral Appliance, by Daniel M. Carlson, CDT, https://www.deardoctor.com/articles/10-tips-for-cleaning-your-oral-appliance/ ).
Retainers, night guards, and dentures are all examples of oral appliances. Thousands of individuals rely on them to restore or sustain their dental health. The recent tech advancements are evident in today’s user-friendly appliances. That isn’t to say you can just put them somewhere and forget about them. Caring for them will ensure their longevity. Cleanliness is the most crucial component of appliance maintenance.
Let’s look at Daniel M. Carlson’s article on “10 Tips For Cleaning Your Oral Appliance” and what Torbram Dental has to say about it.
Daniel begins the article with the advice that if you properly care for your appliance, it will live longer and serve you better.
Torbram Dental agrees with it and says, “If you don’t clean your appliance on a routine basis, bacteria and plaque will build in. Without regular maintenance, it will begin to smell or taste strange.”
Daniel gives us ten tips to help you effectively clean your oral appliances. Let’s look at what Torbram Dental has to comment on them.
Do not clean your appliance with toothpaste.
” As the article mentions, teeth and dental appliances are composed of different elements and require distinct cleaning methods. Toothpaste is abrasive and may contain rough particles, which will inevitably scratch the appliance’s surface. Cleansing with abrasive toothpaste is not recommended, especially if you cannot gauge the pressure you are using to clean the appliance. Always ask if there is a special oral appliance cleaner that is more suitable.,” says Torbram Dental.
Use warm water and a liquid dish detergent or hand soap.
“Most common domestic soaps are significantly gentler and more effective, especially when used with an effective antibacterial. Only a small amount on a delicate brush is enough,” advises Torbram Dental.
Use a brush made specifically for the appliance.
“The brush you use for your dental appliance will be much softer and won’t be as effective for your oral hygiene routine. The article makes a great point. You will also be using different oral care solutions or soap. You wouldn’t want any residue to make its way into your mouth. Which is why it is also recommended to rinse your appliance after cleansing thoroughly.,” suggests Torbram Dental.
Never use boiling water or even very hot water to clean your appliance.
Torbram Dental agrees, “Boiling does destroy germs. Heat bends plastic, which will damage your appliance. To get a perfect fit, your dentist takes a mold of your mouth before creating your device. You eliminate your appliance’s functionality if it doesn’t fit properly. Therefore, will eventually cost you more time and money to remake an appliance.”
Avoid using bleach.
Torbram Dental says, “Some believe bleaching would eradicate germs. However, the material the appliance is made from will be broken down due to the harsh properties of bleaching agents. Any residue left on the appliance will not be safe once placed back into your mouth.”
While washing your appliance, place a towel in the sink basin.
“Denture can crack if they were to fall, which is a costly mistake that can be avoided. As the article mentions, a cloth or material placemat in the sink can soften the fall and prevent small pieces from going down the drain,” says Torbram Dental.
Try purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner.
“An ultrasonic cleaner is the finest dental cleaning technique for oral appliances, according to scientific studies. It refreshes by vibrating at a high frequency, getting into the small crevices that a toothbrush can’t reach. An ultrasonic cleaner takes the pressure off all the cleansing details, making it much easier to maintain freshness.,” recommends Torbram Dental.
To freshen your breath, utilize the proper oral hygiene supplies.
Torbram Dental reminds us, “It is essential to maintain oral hygiene. As the article mentions, regardless of the routine cleaning of an oral appliance, you will still have to ensure proper oral hygiene. Always schedule a dental checkup to examine the condition of any remaining teeth, the fit of the oral appliance, and any other oral issues.”
Do not keep your appliance on a nightstand or elsewhere.
Torbram Dental agrees, “Dental appliances, particularly those that are a little fragrant due to poor cleaning, are quite appealing to pets. One wouldn’t want it in the hands of your small child, too. Dental appliances can be easily misplaced, dropped, or accidentally thrown out. Therefore, you should keep it in a case or soaking water.”
Wearing dentures 24 hours a day is like wearing socks all the time.
” As the article suggests, allow for the natural antibacterial components and cleansing effect of saliva to do their work overnight by not wearing dentures. If you notice any indication of infection, consult your dentist immediately,” advises Torbram Dental.
“The purpose of your oral appliance is crucial. It’s also an investment in your health, beauty, and overall well-being. One should treat their dental appliance with care and use it according to your dentist’s instructions,” concludes Torbram Dental.
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
This will close in 0 seconds
Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
This will close in 0 seconds
Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
This will close in 0 seconds
Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
This will close in 0 seconds
Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
This will close in 0 seconds
Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
This will close in 0 seconds
Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
This will close in 0 seconds
Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
This will close in 0 seconds
Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
This will close in 0 seconds