If your teeth and retainers aren't kept clean, you may end up with an irritation of the gums which can become serious. There's also the increased risk of cavities.
These tips will help you keep your retainers spotless:
- Ideally, retainers should be brushed after every meal and before going to bed. If you find yourself unable to brush, rinse teeth and retainers with water after eating. School children should clean retainers as soon as they arrive at home.
- Unless your orthodontist directs otherwise, brush your retainers with your toothbrush and toothpaste or a denture brush and denture toothpaste.
- Fill the sink with cool water to avoid breaking retainers if you drop them during cleaning.
- Never use hot water, which could warp retainers.
- Be very gentle while cleaning. Don't bend the wires.
- Brush your teeth thoroughly before putting clean retainers back in your mouth.
Safety tips:
- Never wear a cracked retainer. A piece could break off and lodge in your throat.
- No nuking! Never microwave retainers.
- If your retainers break, call the orthodontist. Don't try to repair them yourself.
- Keep them away from heat--out of hot water, away from sunshine and heater vents.
- Always handle retainers gently.
- Read Retainer Risks for more tips on keeping your retainers safe.
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