Headache and jaw pain are often the result of (nocturnal) teeth grinding. To alleviate the symptoms, more and more dentists are prescribing a so-called bite splint. Regular wear can discolour this over time – unsightly deposits become visible.
The prosthesis-like splint made of plastic is intended to counteract excessive and incorrect loading in order to protect teeth and jaws – the grinding itself cannot be remedied in most cases, as it is often triggered by stress. It is therefore a pure treatment of the symptoms, not the cause. The material and dental costs for a common bite splint are covered by the health insurance. In addition, those affected have the option of having the dental arch that has been tailored to them exchanged for a new model every one to two years (depending on their insurance). For example, when the splint has been chewed through in the truest sense of the word. If, on the other hand, stubborn deposits are visible, a replacement is not absolutely necessary. Instead, you can use the following tips when cleaning your occlusal splint.
It is therefore important to clean the occlusal splint
If you wear your occlusal splint every night, visible residue is inevitable. In addition, these provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. To counteract slight discolouration, the plastic should be cleaned regularly – preferably every day. All you need for this is your toothbrush and a mild toothpaste, which if possible does not contain any abrasives (as they could damage the splint). Then clean the material under running water. If the deposits are particularly stubborn, you will have to resort to stronger (house) remedies.
Cleaning the bite splint: tips against deposits
Commercially available denture cleaners (for example from the Kukident brand) are unfortunately not suitable for cleaning an occlusal splint, as they would attack the material in the long term. Instead, there are now special ones with active oxygen. They are designed to remove the deposits and bacteria adhering to the surfaces of the plastic. Alternatively, you can also use so-called use.
Extra-Tipp: In fact, mild hand soap is also said to be an effective anti-build-up remedy. Apply this to the splint with an old (clean) toothbrush, scrub all corners and edges clean and rinse the material out again under warm water.
Effective home remedies for occlusal splints
If the methods already mentioned do not work for you, there are still tried and tested home remedies that you can use to clean the bite guard: acetic or citric acid (also as available). Dilute this with a little water (in a ratio of 1: 5) and soak the anti-crunch aid in it for ten to 15 minutes – depending on the hardness of the deposits. Then wash the splint thoroughly under running water to remove any acid residue. After that, the material should dry well before you put it in a fitting store.
Extra-Tipp: If the occlusal splint gives off an unpleasant smell, although hardly any deposits are visible, you can soak them in a chamomile or herbal bath for a few minutes. Although this does not remove any discolouration, it neutralizes the formation of odors.
