What’s the Best Retainer Cleaner for You?

Retainers are a vital part of improving your smile. They allow  us to have teeth that match our personal aesthetics, but we also want to make sure we’re as comfortable as possible when we wear them. So what’s the best retainer cleaner out there? In this article, we’re discussing that and more.

Why is it Necessary to Keep Your Retainer So Clean?

Neglecting your retainer can have serious consequences. Taking care of your retainer isn’t just about maintaining aesthetics—a dirty retainer can contribute to gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues. The main cause of this problem is bacteria build up on your retainer that’s being held against your teeth and gums for hours or days on end. This can irritate your gums, causing inflammation like gingivitis, harbor plaque, contributing to cavities, or even cause fungal infections like oral thrush.

Signs That You’re Not Taking Proper Care of Your Retainer

1. It has an odor. There could be a couple reasons this is happening. The first, and most common, is that you’re not cleaning it thoroughly enough.
2. It no longer fits as well as it did before. This is a sign that your teeth are shifting.  If this is the purpose of your retainer (for example, as a substitute for braces), it’s par for the course. However, if you’ve already painstakingly straightened your teeth over months, or even years, you don’t want to undo all the good work you’ve developed. Most likely, you’re not wearing your retainer often enough. Make sure you’re remembering to wear it at night, and for as many hours as your provider tells you to.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits

The first step to keeping your retainer clean is to make sure you’re keeping your teeth clean. For example, you want to make sure that you’re brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Twice is the standard, but if you want to be extra clean, brush your teeth after you eat lunch. The same goes for flossing. If you’re not flossing regularly, you leave bacteria in your teeth, trapped there by a retainer. With a retainer, you don’t have the advantage of water or saliva washing gunk away—you have to do it yourself.

The Best Retainer-Cleaning Methods

The method that works best for you will depend on what kind of retainer you have, and what your daily habits look like. We’ve assessed the most commonly used methods so you know that to do, and what not to do.

UV Retainer Cleaners

UV Retainer Cleaners are one of the newest methods of cleaning retainers. When considering this option, two clear drawbacks arrive. The first is that these cleaners are relatively unresearched. That is, there’s no dental studies that prove that they work—you’ll have to trust the reviews when you buy them. Second, these cleaners are out of budget for many individuals, as they often start at $100 per kit. However, there are certain scenarios in which this may be a better option:

• You lack dexterity due to disability or other reasons. In that case, UV retainer cleaners provide a more accessible option.
• Your dental device is made of soft materials. This doesn’t apply to plastic or metal, but some materials might even be too sensitive for a toothbrush.
• You struggle with maintaining a routine. If the only way you’ll be able to clean your retainer consistently is to use a machine, that’s better than not doing it at all!

The Soap & Water Method

While this method seems simple, it’s actually one of the most effective methods of cleaning your retainer. Unfragrant soap (dish soap in particular), doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, and is gentle on your retainer. At the same time, it’s a powerful tool to remove unwanted material from your retainer, just like it removes unwanted food from your dishes. Paired with warm water, this solution can be done easily every time you remove your retainer, whether that’s before meals or when you wake up in the morning. Dish soap and water are also convenient and portable, meaning you can bring them to work, school, or wherever you need to clean your retainer. Not to mention, this method works for nearly every kind of dental device—permanent retainers, plastic retainers, acrylic retainers, or even night guards.

The Mouthwash Method

While mouthwash is great for cleaning your teeth, it might not be the best method for cleaning your retainer. One of the biggest reasons for this is because mouthwash has dye in it. In fact, most mouthwashes you can purchase at your local store will turn your retainer green or blue. Not only is it unflattering, but mouthwashes contain harsh chemicals that can warp your retainer. Alcohol, a common ingredient in mouthwash, can dry out retainers and cause them to break apart over time. A cracked or damaged retainer requires an expensive replacement.

Disinfectant Wipes or Hand Sanitizer

While these items are marketed to clean 99% or more of bacteria, the bacteria they target is not the same kind of bacteria that exists in your mouth. There are also chemicals in these substances that are not safe to consume in any amount, such as rubbing alcohol. For that reason, you shouldn’t be putting it anywhere your mouth will go.

The Toothpaste Method

While toothpaste is great at removing plaque and tartar build-up, it only works on teeth. You shouldn’t use it to clean retainers because it’s abrasive and can scratch the surface, making the retainer cloudy and creating new places for bacteria to grow. Some whitening toothpastes are even more abrasive. This is the same reason a brush with soft bristles is recommended. Dish soap is also considered a softer option in comparison.

Cleaning Tablets

These small tablets can’t take over for the twice-daily brushing we recommend, but they are a good weekly supplement to your current routine. Here’s how they work: retainer cleaning tablets, most commonly known by the brand Retainer Brite, use non-harmful chemicals to create a solution that cleans your retainer. They use ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and sodium percarbonate, which work to clean and disinfect.

They also contain oxidizing and effervescent agents, such as persulfate compounds, that create fizzing action to remove particles and kill bacteria. Some tablets include gentle detergents to lift stains and plaque without damaging the material. It is important to note that some common ingredients, particularly persulfates, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, so it’s best to check the label and opt for a persulfate-free product if you have sensitivities. You can usually purchase these products on Amazon, or, in some cases, your dentist will provide you with them.

If you are allergic to persulfates or just prefer to do it yourself, we’ve provided a recipe you can use to make your own retainer-cleaning solution similar to the cleaning tablets you can buy online.

1. In a jar or bowl mix together the 2 tsp white vinegar and ¾ cup of warm water.
2. Add 1 tsp baking soda
3. Let the retainer soak in the solution for 5-10 minutes
4. Rinse your retainer out with cold water. You can also let it soak in distilled water if you aren’t planning on using it right away.

Extra Tips

• Have a separate toothbrush just for cleaning your retainer. This lessens the risk of bacteria and plaque circulation.
• Avoid very hot water. This can cause some retainers (especially plastic ones) to warp.
• Keep your retainer wet. A dry retainer is more prone to breaking and building up with plaque.
• Keep your retainer covered. If left uncovered, you run the risk of dust buildup. You also want to make sure your container is clean and ventilated.

Schedule Regular Dental Appointments

If you notice that your retainer isn’t functioning as usual, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Take note of any spots in which you see cracks, thinning, or visible wear in the plastic, as well as cloudiness, yellow stains, or calcium deposits. Furthermore, check in every-so-often to assess how it feels on your teeth. Is it fitting too tightly? Too loosely? Is it causing discomfort when you bite down or when you put it on? These are all signs that it’s time for a change. Even in the short term, continuing to wear a retainer or other dental device that’s not right for you can cause tension headaches or jaw discomfort.

No matter what type of retainer you have, our team is here to help. At Wakim DDS, we prioritize personalized care, focusing on putting your needs first. Whether you want to assess your options or just get a check up, making an appointment is just one click away.