Keeping Your Retainer Clean

[24hrdental.net]

Orthodonticretainers simply called retainers are designed to go over the teeth which means that they get exposed to tartar, plaque and even bacteria from the mouth. Considering that they are worn for hours, it is very easy for them to start smelling hence causing bad breath. However, you do not have to put up with this because there are very easy ways you can ensure that your retainers remain clean all the time.

1. First, avoid bleach and alcohol and other harsh chemicals when cleaning your orthodontics because they are damaging. You should also avoid putting them in boiling water or hot water because the high heat can end up deforming or warping them spoiling them in the process.

2. Keep them moist all the time because drying out is another aspect that leads to damage. When not in your mouth, put the retainer in distilled water. You can allocate a container for this and you can add a little amount of baking soda to the water. Drying out leads to the tartar bonding onto the retainer making it easy to break and even harder to clean.

3. Brush them every few days to keep tartar buildup at bay. You can use a toothbrush to achieve the best results with the brushing. Allocate a toothbrush for this and not your everyday toothbrush. You can use a mild soap or toothpaste and rinse in warm water before placing them back.

4. Have your dentist check your retainer once in awhile. The dentist will disinfect the retainers using the right tools and cleaning products and also repair it if need be. It is also very important to have broken retainers replaced or repaired and any lost retainers replaced as soon as it happens.

5. Consider using castile soap when cleaning for a safe thorough job that also leaves them smelling nice. The soap has coconut and olive oil and they are both safe. For clear retainers, use baking soda to clean. Sprinkle a little amount on it and scrub, then rinse with warm water.

6. Another great way of cleaning your retainer is by soaking it in 10 parts water mixed with 1 part chlorine and allowing it to soak for at least 10 minutes before rinsing in warm water.

The care that you accord your retainers can determine how well they get to serve you. It is not enough to keep your mouth clean if you do not take the time to clean your retainers and vice versa. Take care of your oral health and hygiene by ensuring that your retainer is clean and in good shape. You should seek replacement and repairs if you have lost them or you can see evident damage on them. Your dentist should be in a position to advise you further on how to care for your retainers and how to keep them in good shape so they serve their function and improve your dental looks.

Clear retainers are very functional and convenient because they are hard to notice when worn. However, keeping your retainer clean is one thing you do not want to forget no matter what.

 

[Fabey Dental Studios]

Thank you for sharing this article in denture. Most of the retainer cleansers available on the market are based on cleansers originally developed for cleaning dentures. There are some big differences between orthodontic retainers and dentures, and traditional denture cleansers are not always the best way to clean your retainers, or your nightguards and mouthguards either.