How to Keep Your Retainer Germ Free

The care of retainers is an essential part of orthodontics for all ages. Readymade orthodontic solutions are not enough. Taking care of and maintaining your retainer is an important part of your everyday oral care routine. Here’s a look at why your retainer must be cleaned regularly and how to clean it thoroughly without causing damage.

Make caring for your retainer part of your daily routine

Why is it essential to care for, clean, and sanitize a retainer?

Like your teeth, your retainer can accumulate bacteria, tartar, and plaque very quickly if not cleaned regularly. Bacterial buildup on your retainer can cause it to smell and taste nasty, and tartar or mineral buildup could cause tooth cavities. Heavy germs, bacteria, and plaque buildup can all make you sick.

Not all retainers are the same. Permanent retainers made of wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth tend to accumulate a lot of food particles. Clear retainers need extra care as harsh cleaning agents can damage the material. Bacteria can accumulate quickly on Hawley retainers if not cleaned properly.

What to do to keep your retainer squeaky clean

 White vinegar

Once a week, soak your clear or Hawley retainer in white vinegar for no more than five minutes. A vinegar solution is one of the safest orthodontic solutions to eliminate bacteria. Once done, rinse the retainer thoroughly with distilled water.

Baking soda

Baking soda is not only safe, but it is a fast method of cleaning your retainers. It also keeps away bacteria and foul smells by stabilizing the pH naturally in your mouth. Make a thickish paste of baking soda and distilled water. Lightly scrub your retainer with this paste – just as you would brush your teeth. Rinse thoroughly once done.

Mild castile soap

Let your retainer sit in a cup of warm water to which a few drops of liquid castile soap have been added. Give the retainer a gentle scrub with a soft toothbrush while it is submerged. Rinse thoroughly. That is excellent for both clear and Hawley retainers and can be done once a day.

Flossing

Flossing daily is a must for permanent retainers. Use a threader (floss threader) to thread the floss between the two lower front teeth until you reach the retainer wire. Then move it up and down until the gum lines. Repeat the process with each tooth attached to the retainer.

Note: Don’t forget to clean the retainer case at least once a day before you put your retainer away. Gently scrub the inner and outer surfaces of the case with lukewarm, soapy water and rinse off thoroughly.

Avoid these cleaning methods

Hot water used by dishwashers can warp and ruin your retainer. Dish soap can be harsh and abrasive.

Boiling water can cause your return to melt and deform.

Bleach or chemical products will not clean your retainer better than a gentle brush. Plus, these cleaning methods can damage your retainers permanently.

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful agent, but it can cause harm to the oral microbiome.

Brushing your retainer too hard can leave deep, bacteria-harbouring scratches on your retainer that will be hard to clean.

Cleaning your retainer is an essential and critical part of orthodontics for all ages. While there are readymade orthodontic solutions available, baking soda, white vinegar, castile soap, and even a gentle brush are highly efficient ways to clean permanent, clear, and Hawley retainers. Orthodontics for all ages is a solution for multiple dental issues; however, it is imperative that you do your part and keep your retainer germ free for an ideal outcome. Contact Woodlawn Orthodontics for more information on retainers!