What household products are available for cleaning?

The following household products are frequently used for cleaning: Diluted acetic acid and citric acid solutions are regarded as household remedies with a positive effect. In a low concentration the two solutions can dissolve tartar and plaque without damaging the plastic splint. They can also remove hard deposits that cannot be cleaned with a toothbrush.

The splint should remain in the solution for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the concentration. A longer exposure time is not recommended, because otherwise the plastic of the bite splint can be damaged and become porous. After the bath is finished, all residues of the solution should be removed thoroughly from the splint so that the diluted acid cannot continue to act.

It is important to pay attention to the concentration of the acid solutions. If you do not buy a readily diluted solution, but try to make it yourself, the dilution should be large enough. It is advisable to mix one part acid with four or five parts water. Baths made of chamomile, sage or similar herbs are fragrant as a household remedy and can minimize odour, but they are not helpful as a cleaning method, as deposits cannot be removed. – Diluted acetic acid

Diluted citric acid
Herbal baths, e.g. from chamomile or sage

What role does vinegar play in cleaning?

Vinegar can be found in every household and is used in many different ways. Some varieties are not only used for consumption, but are also used as a cleaning agent in the home and garden. Chemically speaking, vinegar is a diluted aqueous acetic acid solution.

A distinction can be made between vinegar produced by biological fermentation, vinegar from acetic acid and vinegar from vinegar essence, which is produced synthetically and contains no ingredients. This tastes simply sour. Vinegar, however, which is produced by biological fermentation, has a taste depending on what was used as the source material, such as apples.

In the household, vinegar is diluted with water and is often used as a cleaning agent, especially when limescale has to be removed, such as on taps or in kettles. Therefore it is obvious to clean your bite splint with vinegar as well, if this does not damage the splint. In general, the occlusal splint should be cleaned at least once a day, preferably directly after wearing it at night.

Clean the splint in the morning after brushing your teeth, dry it and store it in a box until you use it in the evening. This prevents bacteria from settling on the splint and the splint retains its “fresh feel” because saliva and tooth residue stick to the splint during wear, making it unappetizing. As a possibility for cleaning, there are special cleaners that you can buy, mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush or cleaning with vinegar.

However, some special cleaners may attack the plastic of the splint. When using vinegar, take 1/3 white household vinegar and mix it with 2/3 water. Alternatively you can also buy ready-made vinegar solutions.

This type of cleaning can be used once a week to remove hardened deposits from the bite splint. It is important that the occlusal splint is not left in the vinegar solution for too long (approx. 1-2 hours) to avoid discolouration or defects of the acrylic.

In contrast to ready-made cleaners, however, this is a more economical and simple method. After the vinegar bath, it is advisable to rinse the splint thoroughly and clean it with a toothbrush and some toothpaste. This removes any dissolved residue left on the splint and neutralizes the acidic taste.