Best Practices for Keeping My Retainer Clean
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Best Practices for Keeping My Retainer Clean

Once you get your braces off, your orthodontist will fit you for a custom-made retainer to keep your teeth aligned. You’ll likely have to wear it at least all night long, if not for a couple of additional hours during the day. It’s important to keep your retainer clean, as it shares space in your mouth with bacteria, leftover food particles and plaque, says KidsHealth.

Retainers in Virginia Beach, VA

Here are a few quick tips for keeping your retainer clean:

  • Make a commitment to cleaning your retainer every single day – preferably in the morning when you wake up. Rinse it first in warm water rather than hot water so it doesn’t warp. And never put it in the dishwasher because the high heat will certainly damage it!
  • Use a soft bristled brush with toothpaste and cool water only. Once a week, you can pop it in a glass of mouthwash or denture-cleaning solution to rid it of germs and give it a fresh taste.
  • Take out your retainer when you eat. Food particles can get stuck in there, making it much easier for bacteria to flourish. When you do eat, don’t just fold up your retainer in a napkin. It’s too easy to mistake it for trash. Also, do not store it in your pocket. Too easy to get thrown in with the wash and by the time you realize it’s gone, it’s too late. Instead, keep your retainer case handy at all times and place them in there.
  • Keep your retainer away from heat sources, i.e., don’t put it in hot water or near a heating vent. They warp surprisingly easy.
  • Avoid flipping your retainer around in your mouth, which can bend the wires and render your retainer useless.
  • If your retainer fell on the ground or other nasty place, you should sanitize it before popping it back in your mouth. For this, you can use warm water with a mild detergent and soft toothbrush, following by a quick soak in a germ-killing mouthwash solution like Listerine. Rinse off completely before wearing.
  • For regular cleanings using denture cleaning solution, scrub off any plaque present on the retainer with a soft toothbrush, then let the retainer sit in the solution for a few hours or even overnight. Clean thoroughly in the morning.
  • When taking out your retainer to eat, rinse it off before snapping it shut in its case. This will avoid the harboring of bacteria, plus it will be more pleasant to you when you have to put it back in when you’re done.
  • Don’t forget about cleaning your case. Use warm soapy water and let dry thoroughly. The case can get just as germy as the retainer device itself if neglected.

Follow these handy tips to keeping your retainer clean for the most effective experience possible.



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