The Dirty Secrets: Avoid These Items When Cleaning Your Retainers

Introduction

When cleaning your retainers, avoid items with harsh chemicals like persulfates. Instead, use a purple persulfate-free retainer cleaner. This cleaner effectively removes buildup without causing irritation or damage. By choosing a persulfate-free option, you ensure your retainer stays clean and safe for daily use.

1. Hot Water

Avoid using hot or boiling water to clean your retainers. High temperatures can deform the plastic, causing your retainers to lose their shape and effectiveness. Stick to lukewarm or room-temperature water for rinsing and cleaning.

2. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is too abrasive for retainer materials, especially clear aligners. It can scratch and damage the surface, making it more susceptible to bacterial growth and staining. Opt for milder, non-abrasive cleaning options.

3. Mouthwash

While mouthwash is excellent for oral hygiene, it's not suitable for cleaning retainers. Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can harm the plastic material and create an unpleasant taste or odor.

4. Bleach or Alcohol-Based Cleaners

Harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol can cause damage to the retainer's structure and make it brittle. They can also lead to discoloration and an unpleasant taste or smell. Stick to gentle, retainer-specific cleaning solutions.

5. Vinegar

Although vinegar is a natural cleaner, it's not suitable for cleaning retainers. The acid in vinegar can corrode and weaken the retainer's material, potentially harming your oral health and comfort.

6. Dishwashing Detergent

Dish soap may seem gentle, but it can contain harsh chemicals that are not suitable for retainers. These detergents can leave behind a residue and affect the taste or odor of the retainer.

7. Scalding Water

Never expose your retainers to boiling or scalding water. Extreme temperatures can deform the retainer, rendering it ineffective and uncomfortable.

8. Abrasive Brushes

Avoid using toothbrushes or scrubbing brushes with hard bristles. These can scratch and damage the retainer's surface. Opt for a soft toothbrush or a dedicated retainer cleaning brush.

9. Peroxide or Baking Soda

Peroxide and baking soda, while effective for cleaning various items, are not appropriate for retainers. They can damage the plastic and potentially cause discomfort.

10. Commercial Denture Cleaners

Denture cleaning tablets or solutions can be too abrasive for retainers. It's best to use products specifically designed for retainers or clear aligners.

11. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite mouthguard solutions are for a different purpose. Using them to clean retainers can cause harm to the material and reduce the lifespan of your orthodontic device.

12. Fruit Juices and Sugary Drinks

Rinsing your retainers with fruit juices or sugary drinks can lead to a buildup of sugar and bacteria. This can result in a sticky, unpleasant surface on the retainer.

Conclusion

Properly cleaning your retainers is essential to maintain your oral health and the longevity of your orthodontic investment. Knowing what not to use when cleaning your retainers is just as important as knowing the proper cleaning methods. Stick to gentle, retainer-specific cleaning solutions and avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures to keep your retainers in top shape and your smile beautifully aligned.

Are you currently using or thinking about using retainer cleaning tablets? It's important to be aware that certain cleaner brands have the potential to cause toxic reactions.

It's crucial to be aware of harmful ingredients hiding in common cleaner brands. One such persulfate, which can pose SERIOUS health risks and is found in almost all leading retainer cleaners brands. Moreover, persulfate's health risks potentially impact respiratory health and skin sensitivities in your family, especially in teens and sensitive individuals. Learn more about the risk of persulfate HERE. 

 

Disclaimer:

The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. The author and publisher do not take responsibility for any consequences resulting from the information provided in this article.