Table of contents:
- Easy tips for caring for a dental retainer to make it durable
- 1. Don't forget to clean your teeth and mouth
- 2. Avoid foods that can damage the dental retainer
- 3. Wash the dental retainer thoroughly
- 4. Select the appropriate retainer cleaner
- 5. Store the dental retainer properly
Are you using a dental retainer? Dental retainers are removable braces that are usually used to help correct the position of the teeth. With regular use, your teeth can be tidier. However, you must take care of the dental retainer.
If it is not clean, it will affect the health condition of your teeth and mouth. You don't want to, right, after installing a dental retainer, you will actually face more dental problems? No need to get confused, there are several easy ways to care for your retainer.
Easy tips for caring for a dental retainer to make it durable
1. Don't forget to clean your teeth and mouth
If you are using a dental retainer, you will need to brush your teeth more often. The reason is, the food and drinks you consume every day are at risk of leaving more plaque. If not cleaned, plaque builds up and eventually various dental problems arise.
Experts recommend brushing your teeth every time you eat, whether it's after a big meal or a snack. Some dentists will also recommend that you use mouthwash, so that any food debris that is still stuck between your teeth is lost.
2. Avoid foods that can damage the dental retainer
In fact, almost any food you can eat when wearing a dental retainer. However, you should eat small meals, for example, cut them first before entering your mouth. The reason is, this will make it easier for you to chew. However, to keep dental retainers good, you should avoid the following foods:
- Foods that have a hard, dense texture and are hard to bite into
- Sticky and sweet foods, such as caramel
- Boiled corn
- Chewing gum
- Ice Cube
To make it easier for you, you should choose foods that tend to be soft and soft, so as not to damage the retainer.
3. Wash the dental retainer thoroughly
Maybe many people are confused, when is the right time to clean the retainer. In fact, retainers should also be washed and cleaned when you brush your teeth. So, first you brush your teeth with a retainer, then remove the stirrup and clean it separately.
Some signs that indicate a retainer needs cleaning are a retainer that smells and has plaque on its surface. It is recommended that you do not leave the retainer untouched for more than one week.
4. Select the appropriate retainer cleaner
There are several materials you can use to clean this detachable stirrup. For example, using baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and mouthwash. These three ingredients are safe to use as a retainer cleaner.
If you decide to use vinegar or baking soda, then dissolve the ingredients in water, then put the retainer into the container containing the solution. Wait for about 2-3 minutes. Do the same thing if you use mouthwash.
5. Store the dental retainer properly
Almost all retainers cannot stand being exposed to hot temperatures, so keep the appliance away from things that emit hot temperatures. For example, like not soaking in hot water and not drying it hair dryer or hand dryer . Store your retainer in a dry, cool and clean place.
Don't forget to check regularly with the dentist and ask when this retainer should be replaced. Regular checks will also help you determine if the retainer is still fit and good to use.
