Why You Should Keep Your Retainer Clean
Oral Health Blog

Why You Should Keep Your Retainer Clean

If you have a retainer, you know that it’s important to keep it clean. Not only will this help it last longer, but it will also keep your mouth healthy. In this article, we’ll discuss why you should keep your retainer clean and offer some tips on how to do so.

What is a retainer?

A retainer is a device that helps to keep your teeth in alignment. It is custom-made to fit your mouth and teeth and is usually made of plastic or metal. You will need to wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist.

Who needs a retainer?

There are a few reasons why someone might need to wear a retainer. One reason is that they may have had braces in the past and need to wear a retainer to keep their teeth from moving back into their original position. Another reason is that someone may have a misaligned bite, which means that their teeth don't come together correctly when they bite down. Wearing a retainer can help to correct this.

Why you should clean your retainer?

If you wear a retainer, it's important to keep it clean. A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps your teeth stay in their new, correct position after your orthodontic treatment.

It is important to keep your retainer clean because it can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms. If these microorganisms are not removed, they can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. In addition, if you do not clean your retainer regularly, it can become stained and discolored.

Bad breath

If you don't clean your retainer, you could end up with bad breath. The retainer sits in your mouth and collects bacteria. If you don't clean it regularly, that bacteria can start to cause problems with your breath. It's important to brush your retainer just like you brush your teeth. 

Tooth decay

While it may not seem like it, keeping your retainer clean is important for preventing tooth decay. When plaque and bacteria build up on your retainer, they can begin to eat away at your teeth. This can lead to cavities and other problems. Be sure to brush your retainer thoroughly every day, and consider using a retainer cleaner to help keep it free of harmful substances.

Gum disease

One of the main reasons you should clean your retainer is to prevent gum disease. If you don't clean your retainer, plaque and bacteria can build up on it and cause your gums to become inflamed and infected. Gum disease can lead to a number of serious health problems, so it's important to do everything you can to prevent it.

Discoloration

The discoloration is one of the main reasons why you should clean your retainer. If you don't clean your retainer, it can start to discolor your teeth. This is because the retainer traps food and bacteria against your teeth, which can cause staining. In addition, the discoloration can also make your teeth look yellow and dull.

How to clean your retainer

If you have a retainer, it's important to keep it clean. A dirty retainer can cause bad breath and stains on your teeth. Here's how to clean your retainer:

  1. Rinse your retainer with water before putting it in your mouth.
  1. Brush your retainer with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Be sure to brush all of the nooks and crannies.
  1. Soak your retainer in a denture cleanser or white vinegar solution for about 30 minutes.
  1. Rinse your retainer well and put it back in your mouth.
  2. One of the best ways to clean your retainer is by using a B. Weiss water flosser. This type of flosser uses a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and retainer. It's important to clean your retainer regularly to prevent bad breath and gum disease. The B. Weiss water flosser is gentle on your gums and doesn't require any special cleaners or solutions.

Conclusion

We hope this article has demonstrated why you should keep your retainer clean and how to properly do so. A retainer is a necessary part of life for many people, and it's important to take care of it so that it can take care of your teeth. By following the tips in this article, you'll be on your way to keeping your retainer clean and bacteria-free.

 

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.