Are you one of the millions of people who wear retainers to fix crooked teeth or keep their mouths healthy? If so, you probably know that your retainer should be worn at all times, and also you want to known that how to clean retainers except? when eating and sleeping. But have you ever wondered how often you should clean your retainer to keep it looking its best? The truth is that most people don’t clean their retainers enough and miss out on many of the benefits associated with retainer cleaning.
How Do I Know If My Retainers Are Unsanitary?
Before you go on a sanitizing frenzy, make sure your retainer is actually dirty. Does it smell bad? Are there stains on it? If not, chances are that it’s fine—you just got used to your retainer smelling and looking like that. (A quick wash once every two weeks or so should be fine.)
If you can’t remember when you last cleaned your retainer, give it a good scrub with soap and water. Better safe than sorry! It may seem counterintuitive at first to clean your retainers twice a day, but after a few days of setting time aside in your morning and evening routines, you won’t even notice they’re gone. It will only take about five minutes total each day.
And if you want some more advanced cleaning tips, we’ve already covered those here . Just keep in mind that retainers are dental appliances , which means they get cleaned in much different ways than natural teeth do. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines for cleaning retainers so as not to damage them! Most importantly: Be patient! Making new habits takes time; don’t expect yourself to clean twice daily immediately—that’s just setting yourself up for failure.
How Do I Clean My Retainers?
A lot of people don’t realize that it’s necessary to clean retainers every day, since they think that cleaning it after each use is enough. It isn’t, however. Bacteria will build up on your retainer if you do not clean it every day, and that bacteria can cause bad breath or even tooth decay! To properly clean your retainer, all you need is warm water and toothpaste.
This can be done at least twice a day – in the morning before school or work and again right before bed. If you are worried about odor buildup in between these times, there are many commercial products available that make it simple to keep your retainer clean! Just brush your teeth as normal with toothpaste then soak it in either clear mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Rinse out any liquid left over with cool water and you’re good to go! Be sure to store your retainer in an airtight container when you aren’t wearing it, like a small baggie, so dust doesn’t accumulate on it. Last but not least: Never put hot water into your mouth after eating something like pizza because the melted cheese will stick around longer than regular food particles, which means less cleaning time for your retainer!
Does Brushing My Teeth Help Clean Them?
The short answer is no. Sure, it’s easy to think that brushing your teeth will help keep them clean, but it’s not true. In fact, cleaning your retainer with toothpaste is never a good idea because it can wear down your retainer and even cause damage over time.
If you want your retainers to last as long as possible, follow these steps for how to clean retainers using white vinegar: soak for 10 minutes in boiling water. Rinse with cold water and dry overnight with a clean cloth. Then use a soft-bristled toothbrush, preferably one made of silicone or plastic, to gently brush your retainer. Be sure not to use any type of abrasive material on your retainers, since they’re likely made of acrylic or metal.
There are also commercial devices designed specifically for cleaning and rinsing orthodontic appliances like retainers; look online or talk to an orthodontist if you’d like more information about how they work. When all else fails, simply return back to simple water.
Can I Use Mouthwash on My Retainers?
There are many myths out there about how you should or shouldn’t clean your retainers. One of those myths is that you can use mouthwash on your retainers. The solution in mouthwash isn’t strong enough to break down food particles and could leave an unpleasant odor on your retainer.
It also contains alcohol, which can cause damage to plastic over time. Instead, gently brush off any food particles you notice between dental visits. If your retainer still smells after brushing, take it out and place it in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water after soaking then let it air dry overnight before putting it back in your mouth.
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Denture Cleanser?
How to clean retainers is something that can often be overlooked by patients. Not only are they fairly expensive and need extra care, but they are also used every day by many people. If you go out of your way to find a dentist who provides quality dentures, you may not even think about how important it is for them to be cleaned properly.
As someone who deals with dentures on a daily basis, I’ve seen first-hand how neglected cleaning can have negative consequences down the road. Fortunately, I’m here today with some tips for ensuring your retainers stay health and clean. Keep reading for more information!
What Should I Do After Brushing My Teeth (And Before Putting In My Retainers)?
After you brush your teeth and before you put in your retainers, use these simple tips: Rinse with water. Dental professionals always recommend rinsing with warm water after brushing. This is especially important if you have braces or other appliances because it helps wash away food particles. Use mouthwash.
Don’t leave home without it! We suggest Listerine® Advanced WhiteTM mouthwash since its fluoride formula helps prevent tooth decay that can occur when you don’t floss regularly. It also makes for a good substitute for those times when you can’t find a toothbrush.
Floss your teeth. Even if it doesn’t feel like there are any leftover foods on your teeth, we still encourage flossing twice per day. Brushing alone simply cannot reach all areas of your mouth—flossing will ensure that any stuck-on bits of food make their way out of hiding, where they can be properly removed by brushing and/or eaten by plaque-dissolving enzymes from saliva.