Things You Need to Know to Keep Your Retainers Healthy and Bacteria Free

Would you go without brushing the teeth for days? Unfortunately, it’s not the same with retainers. Most people neglect cleaning their retainers at the same time they brush their teeth. According to a prominent oral health expert in London, unclean retainers put your dental health at serious risk. Every time you place an unclean retainer in the mouth, it’s like applying a plaque and bacteria-filled solution to your teeth and the gums.

Read on to learn some useful tips on how to clean invisalign retainers and also, when to clean them.

When to clean your retainers

You should clean the retainers every time you brush the teeth. Use the same soft-bristled toothbrush to softly brush the surface of your oral retainers. More extensive cleaning should be provided once a week. The tell-tale signs that say your retainers require immediate thorough cleansing include:

• Bad smell or taste emanates from the retainers
• You notice a thin film on the retainer surface
• White spots are visible on it

Dental bridges

Experts at Smile Dentist in London warn those white spots may well be tartar buildup, which can lead to cavity formation in the tooth. Excessive bacteria build up in your retainer may lead to its cracking or breaking. Remember, just as harmful bacteria damages your teeth, they can damage your retainers as well. After switching over to aligners, if you suddenly become prone to tooth sensitivity or any other oral health issue including dental caries, thoroughly review your retainer care with your orthodontic expert.

Tried and tested cleaning tips for retainers

Drink as much water as you can every day while you are wearing retainers. This minimises the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. To ensure the maximum benefits of wearing a retainer, avoid sugary drinks. These sweetened drinks are more prone to damage your teeth and gums than anything else.

Brushing the retainer

As already mentioned above, brush your retainers, every time you brush your teeth. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a non-whitening, fluoride-based tooth paste. After you have finished brushing, rinse it thoroughly in cool water.