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When To Clean Your Retainer

If you’ve recently had your braces removed, chances are you have a shiny new retainer to keep clean. Here are a few cleaning tips to help keep your retainers clean and your teeth healthy:

When To Clean Your Retainer

Most people couldn’t imagine going days without brushing and cleaning their teeth—so why go without cleaning your retainer? You should be cleaning your retainer twice daily. Think of it this way: whenever you brush your teeth, you should also take the time to clean your retainer.

The same bacteria that grows in your mouth also grows on your retainer. When your retainer goes without proper cleaning and you put it back in your mouth, you’re placing bacteria and plaque right up against your teeth and gums.

Here are some signs that your retainer needs to be washed:

  • There is a film on the retainer

  • Your retainer appears cloudy

  • Your retainer smells or tastes bad

  • There are white spots on the retainer

  • You’ve gone more than a few days without cleaning it

4 Ways to Clean Your Retainer

A quick rinse in the sink is not going to do the job — just like you wouldn’t rinse your mouth with water and expect your teeth to stay healthy. Here are four ways you can keep your retainer squeaky clean:

1 – Toothpaste

Using non-whitening toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush, you can gently scrub your retainer to clean it. Afterward, rinse the retainer thoroughly with warm water.

2 – Castile Soap

Castile soap is a soap that is made up of vegetable oils such as coconut, olive, avocado, and hemp oils. This type of soap is natural and non-toxic. Although people can make their own at home, it is also available at most stores.

Use the following steps to clean your retainer with castile soap:

  1. Add a small amount to a cup of warm water to make a soapy solution.

  2. Let your retainer soak in the water for 2-3 minutes.

  3. Gently scrub the retainer with a soft bristle toothbrush.

  4. Rinse the retainer thoroughly with warm water.

3 – Baking Soda

Baking soda is a safe and effective disinfectant for many household purposes, including cleaning your retainer. Baking soda cleans your retainer, ridding it of unwanted bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals.

Use the following steps to clean your retainer with baking soda:

  1. Create a paste that is 1 part baking soda, 1 part water. The paste should be tich enough to stick to the retainer.

  2. After applying the paste, gently scrub your retainer with a soft bristle toothbrush.

  3. Rinse the retainer thoroughly.

4 – White Vinegar

White vinegar is another gentle and non-toxic disinfectant that can remove odors and films from your retainer.

Use the following steps to clean your retainer with white vinegar:

  1. Make a solution of one part white vinegar one part warm water.

  2. Soak the retainer in the mixture for 20 minutes.

  3. If the retainer

Braces and Retainers In Denver

When you are in need of a trusted Denver orthodontist who can help you regain confidence in your smile, turn to our team at Speaks Orthodontics. We have a team of orthodontic specialists who can help you achieve the happy and healthy smile you’ve always wanted.