To ensure that your oral appliance, such as a retainer, dentures, mouthguard, or sleep apnea appliance, is in good shape and safe for usage, it is imperative to clean it and keep it hygienic. Any appliances located in the mouth collect bacteria, plaque, and smell. Therefore, cleaning is crucial in managing these appliances. Nevertheless, various cleaners are available to purchase in stores, which could be challenging when selecting an oral appliance cleaner suitable for your particular appliance.
Every cleaner is specific in terms of composition, composition compatibility, and cleaning efficiency. It is therefore important in making a sound choice that one has a clue of what to look at to get an appliance that can clean without necessitating further expensive replacements or merely causing more discomfort.
Here are some tips for choosing the right cleaner:
Look for Antibacterial Properties
Oral appliances can accommodate bacteria, which may cause unpleasant smells or diseases affecting the wearer. Select one with the bleaching component to remove all the unhealthy bacteria and prevent contracting more diseases by having a cleaned appliance. In this regard, products that contain ingredients that may be the factors causing the problem, such as hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial agents, are preferred.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Cleaning agents with chlorine, bleach, alcohol, or other abrasive chemicals can degrade the appliance’s surface and touch your tongue, leading to a burning sensation. Go for products that do not have strong chemical contents that will harm the appliance or your tender oral tissues. Organic or low-odor cleaning solutions are also favorable for users with skin sensitivities or special allergies.
Ease of Use
Think about whether they find its usage convenient and easy. Often used are products with ‘one-two-three’ steps, perhaps like dissolvable tablets or an aerosol spray. For convenience, consider the ones that do not need a lengthy soaking interval or those that make surfaces clean on their first application.
Check for Affordability
Since oral appliance maintenance is often required, you should find a cleaner that will be cost-effective in the long run. Check the prices, specifically the price per wash for the cleaner. Look for great value where you don’t have to sacrifice efficiency.
Read Reviews and Recommendations
The work of searching for feedback from other people who tried the tool and professional opinions on dental appliances should be done. Often, they contain information about other users’ experiences with the product, showing its efficacy and possible drawbacks. Your dentist or orthodontist can also recommend better products and treatments suitable for your teeth and your condition.
Verify Brand Reputation
Select a cleaner that is from a good company. They produce quality cleaners that have undergone various tests. Purported and renowned brands are more likely to have undergone various tests to provide quality and safety. Credible brands tend to have one advantage over the other; they provide their clients with the best customer care and product warranty.
Consult with Your Dentist
It is always important that you talk to your dentist to determine the cleaning regimen that is most appropriate for you, depending on the type of oral appliance that you are using and the additional requirements that might be necessary. They can also help you learn some ingredients or certain kinds of cleaners that you should avoid depending on your oral care needs.
