How to Keep Your Retainers Clean

At Whole Body Dental in Bellevue, Washington, we take a holistic approach to oral health, ensuring that every aspect of your dental care supports your overall well-being.

We view the totality of the patient, treating the whole person rather than just their mouth or teeth. 

This philosophy extends to how we handle orthodontics. We help our patients maintain their retainers — an essential tool for preserving a straight, healthy smile after braces — while promoting long-term wellness.

Why cleaning your retainer matters

Think of your retainer like your teeth. It's exposed to all the same things, including food debris and bacteria.

When you don't brush and floss regularly, your teeth and gums can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. The same is true of your retainer, so caring for it properly is equally critical.

When bacteria multiply in your retainer and then you place it in your mouth, several issues can happen.

• Bad breath
• Increased risk of cavities and gum disease
• Retainer staining and discoloration

A chronically dirty retainer can cause problems beyond your mouth. Time and again, research shows that poor oral health raises the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, liver disease, and many other serious medical conditions.

That’s why we emphasize a whole-body approach to dental care — our Whole Body Dental team wants to help you be your healthy best, and keeping your retainer clean is an essential part of that.

The best ways to clean your retainer

Different types of retainers require slightly different cleaning methods, but these general guidelines can help:

Rinse after every use

When you remove your retainer, rinse it under lukewarm water to help flush away dried saliva and debris.

Use a gentle cleanser

Alongside rinsing, clean your retainer using a product that cleans more deeply than water alone. Our team may recommend using a cleaner made for retainers and aligners (removable clear teeth-straightening trays.) Or, we might recommend soaking in a mix of water and baking soda or white vinegar.

Brush with a soft toothbrush

Gently scrub your retainer with a toothbrush to remove buildup (keep a separate brush for this purpose.)

Common mistakes to avoid

Keeping your retainer clean isn’t complicated, but there are a few pitfalls to watch for:

Skipping daily cleaning

Bacteria multiply quickly, so cleaning your retainer daily is crucial.

Using toothpaste

Many toothpastes contain abrasives that can scratch your retainer, making it more prone to bacterial buildup.

Leaving your retainer out

Always store your retainer in its case when it's not in your mouth to keep it free from bacteria and potential damage.

Eating with your retainer in

Food particles can get trapped, leading to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities.

Rinsing in hot water

Heat can warp retainers, altering the way they fit. Then, you could lose your results.

Following these simple steps, you can keep your retainer fresh, your smile healthy, and your whole body balanced.

At Whole Body Dental, we provide the best strategies to promote oral and overall health. If you have questions about retainer care or holistic dentistry, we’re here to help! Call our office or book your appointment online.