If you wear a retainer, you need to make sure to clean it properly. Because most retainers are made of material that is porous, they can become smelly.

Orthodontics wearers in Lockport should check with their dentist about recommendations for keep retainers clean. Often their dentist will recommend a specific brand of retainer cleaner to use.

Meanwhile, you can also use items you might already have around the house if you are in a pinch.

5 Ways to Keep Your Retainer Clean

#1. Brush your retainer when you brush your teeth. Always use a soft-bristled brush so you can avoid scratching your retainer. (You should already be using a soft-bristled brush to clean your teeth anyway!) You can use a bit of toothpaste on your retainer, but make sure it isn’t the whitening type. Whitening toothpastes have abrasives in them that can harm your retainer.

#2. If the only thing you can find is denture cleaner, you can use this to clean your retainer. But only do so occasionally. The ingredients in denture cleaner have a tendency to make retainers take on a yellowish hue.

#3. You can also use mouthwash to clean your retainer, but again, do this only occasionally. The ingredients in mouthwash can have a drying effect on your retainer that is best to avoid.

#4. Baking soda is a good option to clean your retainer because it can help get rid of bacteria. It can also help whiten a yellowed retainer.

#5. Use a mixture of half vinegar and half water to soak your retainer for about 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterward to make sure the vinegar smell doesn’t linger.

Check with your Lockport dentist about orthodontics before deciding on the best cleaning method for your retainer. Call Dentistry by Doctor Kaplansky with any questions you might have!