If people don’t know how to clean a retainer, they should consider talking to their dentist or orthodontist. A person should clean their retainer, using products such as toothpaste or baking soda, while brushing their teeth.
The same bacteria that build up on teeth can grow on a retainer. As a result, placing an unclean retainer in your mouth is like applying a solution of bacteria and plaque to your teeth and gums.
If people don’t know how to clean retainers, there are some simple solutions outlined here that can help. However, a person should always talk to their dentist or orthodontist first if they have concerns about the cleanliness of their retainer.
Here are eight tips for people to make sure their accessories are clean and bacteria-free.
1. Water for cleaning on the go
Water won’t clear a retainer by itself, but drinking plenty of water throughout the day can prevent bacterial overgrowth. Keeping a retainer moist will help prevent damage. Water also fights dry mouth, which is associated with tooth decay.
If a retainer feels dirty, a person can try putting some water in their mouth a few times.
Soda and other sugary drinks can affect a retainer just as they affect teeth. People should remove the retainer before enjoying a sugary drink and before eating anything.
Retainers that dry out are more prone to damage. As a result, people should not allow this to happen, especially overnight. Instead, soak a retainer in distilled water whenever you remove it.
If there is nothing available to store the retainer, or if the retainer is dirty and cannot be cleaned immediately, a person can soak it in a damp paper towel until it can be cleaned.
2. Toothpaste
When brushing their teeth, people should also brush their retainer. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-whitening toothpaste. Then remove the retainer and rinse it thoroughly.
People should brush their teeth again after removing the retainer to clean any areas covered by the retainer.
3. Denture cleaner
It is safe to clean a retainer with denture cleaner from time to time, especially if there is no other option. Over time, however, denture cleaner can yellow a retainer.
To clean with denture cleaner, people should rinse the retainer and then let it soak in the denture cleaner for about 20 minutes. After removing it, they should then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush.
If the retainer tastes like denture cleaner afterwards, rinsing should be continued until it stops.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda is a safe all-purpose disinfectant. It can also help whiten retainers that have turned yellow. Baking soda controls bacteria without harsh chemicals and can prevent a pH imbalance from developing in a retainer that damages the mouth.
To use baking soda, people should create a paste that is half water and half baking soda. The mixture should be thick enough to stick to the holder.
They can then gently scrub the retainer with the mixture and a soft toothbrush, just as they would toothpaste. Debris should be removed by thoroughly rinsing the retainer.
5. Vinegar
White vinegar is a mild disinfectant that can remove odors and residue.
To clean a retainer with vinegar, people should create a mixture in a small dish that is half white vinegar and half hot water. The retainer should then be soaked in the mixture for 20 minutes.
If the retainer is covered with a film or mineral deposits, a soft toothbrush can be used to clean the retainer. After rinsing with cold water, it should soak for another 20 minutes.
Vinegar has a strong smell, so people may want to clean their retainer outside if they follow this advice. Using a disposable plate can also reduce the lingering smell of vinegar.
6. Castile soap
Castile soap is less toxic than many other cleaning products. People can make their own with a solution of olive oil and coconut soap, but castile soap is readily available in most stores.
To clean a retainer with castile soap, people should add a small amount to warm water. They can then dip the retainer into the mixture and scrub it with a toothbrush.
The retainer should be allowed to soak for 2-3 minutes before re-sanding as needed. It should then be rinsed with cool water and then placed back in the mouth or put into distilled water.
7. Mouthwash
The mouthwash is designed to fight plaque, bacteria and other deposits in the mouth. It can also clear a retainer if there are no other options.
Using mouthwash to clean one retainer at a time is not ideal and may not clean it well enough. Mouthwash, which contains alcohol, can also dry out both the retainer and the mouth.
If no other options are available, people can try soaking a retainer in alcohol-free mouthwash for 2-3 minutes, rinsing with cold water, and then brushing gently with a soft toothbrush.
8. Retention cleaner
Some manufacturers offer retainer cleaners. For people who don’t have the time or desire to make their own solution, these products are an affordable option.
It is important to follow the instructions on the package. Some types require the use of a sonic cleaner or overnight soaking. Others should not be used on certain types of retainers or for people with sensitive teeth or gum disease.
An orthodontist may be able to recommend a retainer cleaner that meets individual needs.
People should clean their retainer by brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush every time they brush their teeth. A more extensive cleaning should be done once a week.
Here are some signs that a person needs to clean their retainer:
- the retainer smells or tastes bad
- there is a film on the holder
- the retainer looks cloudy
- it’s been over a week since it was cleaned
- there are white spots on the holder.
White spots can be mineral buildup (tartar), cavity-causing plaque, or a combination of the two.
Another sign that a retainer needs cleaning is that it keeps breaking or cracking. Just as bacteria can damage teeth, they can also damage a retainer.
If someone suddenly starts developing cavities, tooth sensitivity, or other oral health problems, there may be a problem with their retainer. If this happens, they should review proper retainer care with their dentist or orthodontist and have them check that the retainer fits properly.
