Dental experts advise daily cleaning of oral appliances

Dentists emphasize the importance of daily cleaning for oral appliances, including dentures, retainers, mouthguards, clear aligners, and sleep apnea devices. Improper care can lead to the formation of biofilm on these devices, similar to what occurs on teeth, which can foster harmful bacteria.

Shankar Venugopalan, chair of the Department of Orthodontics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, warns that neglecting these appliances can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Furthermore, bacteria from the mouth can potentially migrate and affect other parts of the body.

Experts recommend regular professional evaluations to ensure appliances are fitting correctly and do not have cracks, gaps, or fractures that could serve as breeding grounds for bacteria.