How To Clean Retainers

Retainers are used to hold teeth in place after the removal of braces or surgery. Their basic function is to keep the teeth in their new position because they can shift over time if they’re not held in place. Depending on individual needs, they can be worn part-time or full-time, and they should be cleaned regularly just like teeth. The matter that accumulates on unbrushed teeth, including bacteria, food particles, tartar, and plaque, can also build on retainers. A buildup on a retainer can expose the individual to dangerous bacteria and cause illnesses. Retainers attached to the teeth must be flossed daily to keep them clean, but most retainers are removable and easy to clean.

Clean When Wet

Retainers are easier to clean when wet, which is why they should be brushed immediately after being removed from the mouth. This will help remove all the debris before it has a chance to harden on the surface of the retainer. Some debris can also be rinsed off while the retainer is still in the wearer's mouth by swishing around a mouthful of water. Individuals who are unable to wash their retainer immediately can keep it in a damp napkin or paper towel. It's generally a good idea to keep a retainer wet or at least moist at all times. It helps lengthen the life of the retainer and prevent damage. Thus, individuals should keep their retainers submerged in liquids like distilled water when it's not in their mouth.

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Use A Soft Toothbrush To Scrub Plaque

A toothbrush can be used to brush a retainer in the same way individuals brush their teeth. Using a soft toothbrush, individuals should gently brush their retainer to scrub plaque and other debris every time they brush their teeth. If they did not remove the retainer before doing this, they should do so now and rinse the retainer to flush remaining debris. They can then brush their teeth again to remove remaining food particles or other material.

Many of us lead busy, hectic lives and can’t always clean our retainers regularly. We may forget sometimes because of the many things that occupy our minds, or exhaustion may send us straight to bed. In these cases, individuals can soak their retainer for a couple of hours the following day to loosen food, debris, or other material before brushing it. A more thorough cleaning should be done once a week.

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Use A Cotton Swab

A retainer can collect bacteria and other harmful matter from the mouth while it is being worn. These materials can accumulate in grooves and ridges over time, especially in certain types of retainers. A cotton swab can be used to get into these areas for cleaning. The use of cotton swabs during deep cleaning can help reach and loosen food particles in more detailed areas of the retainer. These areas tend to have more buildup, particularly in retainers worn twenty-four hours a day. The retainer should be examined closely to find these areas, and a deeper, more detailed cleaning should be done about two to three times a week. When cleaning with a cotton swab, the swab should be moistened with a cleaning solution, and a circular motion applied while cleaning.

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Use Mild Dish Soap And Water

Dish soap and warm water can be used for regular or deep cleaning of a retainer. Individuals should apply a very small amount of soap to the retainer, and work up a lather with their fingers. A soft-bristled toothbrush, used solely for cleaning a retainer, should be used to scrub the surface to displace food and plaque. The retainer should be rinsed and air dried after removing all debris. Individuals can use mild dish soap and water on those occasions where a regular cleaning is missed. Mild dish soap and warm water are also effective when a retainer needs a good soaking to remove build-up. Individuals can leave the retainer soaking for a couple of hours, but should not leave it in dish soap and water overnight.

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Consider Denture Cleaners

Denture cleaners work well for removing bacteria from retainers. They usually come in a pill to mix and dissolve in warm water. Denture cleaners are safe and effective for cleaning retainers, but they may cause discoloration and leave a bad taste on the retainer over time. Denture cleaners should be used twice a week for best results. Fill a dish with warm water and add a denture cleaner. The retainer should be rinsed before placing it in the solution, where it should soak for about twenty minutes. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush after removing it from the solution.