How Do You Make Sure Your Retainer is Always Clean?
Posted on 8/8/2022 by Rendon Orthodontics
Keeping your retainer clean and fresh is vital for your hygiene routine. However, there are different ways you can keep your retainer clean and lasting for as long as possible. Some of them include cleaning it regularly, avoiding heat, and avoiding chemicals.
Clean It Regularly
Retainers sit on your teeth, meaning it needs to be cleaned as regularly as possible. This will help prevent negative impacts on your oral health. If you have removable retainers, you should clean them with warm water after eating. For the best results, you should mix water with mild dish soap. However, you are warned against using toothpaste to clean the retainer. This is because toothpaste is abrasive in nature and can damage or scratch the retainer. A scratched retainer creates spaces for bacteria to grow.
Avoid Heat
Another way you can care for your retainer is by avoiding hot foods. As much as hot beverages might be ideal for you, hot temperatures could damage your retainer. Hot temperatures can get debris stuck in the retainer and risk bacteria infection. Leaving the retainer exposed to excessive temperatures can damage it permanently. A retainer is a piece of plastic shaped to fit your mouth. When you have a removable retainer, leaving it exposed to hot temperatures can bend or warp it. Any bending or warping of your retainer will make it less effective. As a result, it won't be able to hold your teeth in place.
Avoid Chemicals
Avoiding acidic chemicals is also very important. Given that retainers are mostly plastic, they can be affected by acidic conditions. This is why you should avoid eating acidic foods and drinks. Acidic drinks will get in touch with the retainer and make it warp or bend. As a result, it will not function properly, affecting your teeth. This is risky because it can result in acidic erosion. Get in touch with us for more information on how to care for your retainer.
Our Office • Orthodontist Frisco and Allen At Rendon Orthodontics, we serve our community for all its orthodontic needs. From children to adults, we are happy to treat every member of the family! Rendon Orthodontics, 12398 FM 423, Suite 100, Frisco, TX 75033, 469-956-5022, rendonorthodontics.com, 5/28/2023, Related Phrases: orthodontist Frisco,