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How To Clean Retainers: Do's and Don'ts
Posted on 7/24/2023 by Evan
There are many reasons why cleaning your retainers is important, but by far the most important one is to avoid the formation of plaque in your retainers. This plaque forms a milky white color on retainers, and it can lead to cavities and other gum diseases. Therefore, it is important to consider the following dos and don'ts when cleaning your retainers;
The Do's of Cleaning Retainers
Wash The Retainers with Warm Water
It is best to avoid using hot water when cleaning retainers. While you might think that hot water will get rid of bacteria, the hot water may cause the retainers to lose their shape.
Keep The Retainer's Case Clean
Wash not only the retainers but also the case. The case can also be a harboring ground for bacteria. It is best to wash the case with dish soap, rinse thoroughly with water and then wipe the water off.
Drink Water
This simple task will go a long way in ensuring that bacteria doesn't harbor in your retainers. It helps to wash away food and debris from both the retainers and teeth, thus keeping bacteria at bay.
The Don'ts of Cleaning Retainers
Do Not Use Mouthwash To Soak Your Retainers
Using mouthwash to clean your retainers is a terrible idea. This is because the color of your mouthwash can easily stain the retainers since they are made from plastic. Therefore, avoid soaking your retainers in mouthwash.
Do Not Leave Your Retainers in The Open
If not in use, make sure that you place the retainers in their case and not wrapped in a napkin or out in the open. This can dry it out, making it prone to breakage.
Do Not Clean Your Retainers with Toothpaste
It is vital to know that you should never use toothpaste to brush your retainers. This can damage them because toothpaste is abrasive on your retainers, which will lead to damage.
It is important to clean your retainers to keep bacteria at bay. If you have any further questions about how to clean your retainers, it is best to consult with your dentist for further guidelines.
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There are many reasons why cleaning your retainers is important, but by far the most important one is to avoid the formation of plaque in your retainers. This plaque forms a milky white color on retainers, and it can lead to cavities and other gum diseases. Therefore, it is important to consider the following dos and don'ts when cleaning your retainers;