How often should I clean my night guard to ensure optimal hygiene and functionality? It’s crucial to consider various factors that may influence the frequency of cleaning this dental appliance. For instance, do the materials from which the night guard is constructed necessitate special care, or are there particular cleaning agents that could be detrimental? Furthermore, how does personal oral hygiene and the extent of nighttime grinding impact the cleanliness of the device? Given that accumulation of bacteria and plaque can lead to unfavorable health consequences, what routine cleaning practices should be adopted to mitigate these risks? Is it sufficient to rinse the night guard daily, or should a more thorough cleaning regimen, perhaps involving special cleaners or soaking solutions, be implemented? Moreover, how frequently should one assess the condition of the night guard itself? Are there any telltale signs indicating that the cleaning routine is insufficient? These inquiries reflect the complexities involved in maintaining such an essential tool for dental well-being.