A dental splint is a custom-made device used to address a variety of dental concerns. Most dental splints are made of either plastic materials or acrylic resin. To create a dental splint, your dentist will need to make a mold of your teeth to ensure the splint fits perfectly in your mouth. Once complete, splints are clear, hard and fit perfectly.
How Does a Dental Splint Help?
Dental splints are sometimes called bite guards, night guards or occlusal splints. Many dentists recommend dental splints to help prevent teeth grinding at night, which can cause damage to your teeth. Dental splints can also protect areas of weakened teeth, crowns or implants.
Dental splints can also help patients with histories of pain or dental dysfunction from temporomandibular joints (TMJ) or other bite problems.
Splints are removable devices, so your dentist will let you know when and how long to wear them.
How Do I Clean My Dental Splint?
Proper cleaning for your dental splint will help prevent damage and keep it free of germs. Failure to clean your dental splint can lead to a build-up of bacteria, which increases your chances of getting sick. A mixture of daily cleaning and regular soaks will help keep your dental splint as fresh as possible.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is the easiest answer for those wondering how to clean a dental splint. Any standard toothpaste can be used to gently brush your splint and remove debris. Brush all sides to remove stains and discolourations that may have formed. Then, rinse off toothpaste thoroughly after brushing and allow the splint to dry completely.
Soap and Water
Your dental splint can also be cleaned using simple soap and water. Any type of household hand soap will work for this cleaning method. Simply use a soft toothbrush, cool water and soap to brush your dental splint lightly. Rinse off the soap thoroughly. Make sure your water is room temperature or cool, as extremely hot water could damage your device.
Mouthwash
Patients wondering how to clean a dental splint can also try soaking it in mouthwash. This method is easy and affordable. To keep your dental splint clean, perform a mouthwash soak about every two weeks. Soak your dental splint in a 1:1 mixture of mouthwash and water for about 10 to 15 minutes. After soaking, rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Set a timer so you don’t forget your dental splint is soaking! Leaving it in the mouthwash soak for too long could damage the device.
Baking Soda
Cleaning your dental splint with baking soda is a great option if you’ve noticed a bad odour or lots of built-up debris. Baking soda can also be used as a daily cleaning method. Follow the below steps for how to clean a dental splint with the baking soda method.
- Combine equal parts baking soda and water until a thick paste forms.
- Use a soft toothbrush to brush the dental splint with the paste.
- Rinse well using cool water.
- Allow the dental splint to dry thoroughly.
When Should I Replace My Dental Splint?
On average, splints last between three and five years with proper care. If you’ve noticed cracks, tears, holes or discolouration in your dental splint, it may be time to replace the device. Other signs it’s time to replace your dental splint include a loose fit or a deformed shape.
If you’re not sure if it’s time to replace your splint, we can help! Bring your splint in during your appointment with Bellevue Hill Dental. We’re happy to take a look at it.
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Cleaning your dental splint is easy with the four methods listed above. Using toothpaste, soap and water, mouthwash or baking soda are simple household approaches to keeping dental splints free of bacteria.
Have questions or concerns about proper care for your dental splint? Ask the experts at Bellevue hill Dental. Visit us online or schedule an appointment through our Facebook page. We look forward to providing high-quality dental care in a friendly manner.
