Note, this is how to clean a proper dental retainer

After removing the braces or stirrups, it is recommended that you wear a retainer. Not just for styling alone, retainers have an important function to maintain the neat shape of teeth so they don't change or return to their original shape. Just like your teeth, dental retainers also need to be cared for and kept clean. Have you understood how to properly clean a retainer?

Routine cleaning of dental retainers is important!

Dental retainers must be used routinely every day, both for permanent and detachable retainers. Automatically, there are lots of bacteria, plaque, food debris, and tartar in your mouth that also accumulate on your tooth retainer. Especially because retainers are usually used for quite a long time in a day.

Here's how to clean a dental retainer

Before cleaning your teeth, first identify the type and material of your dental retainer. There are 2 types of dental retainers that are commonly used, namely fixed (permanent) retainers and detachable retainers. Meanwhile, the type of retainer material is divided into two, such as plastic retainer and hawley (wire) retainer.

Different types, different ways to clean the dental retainer. Here's the guide:

The retainer is detachable from plastic and wire

1. Clean the retainer before and after use so that the dirt does not harden, making it even more difficult to clean.
2. Prepare a toothbrush, warm water, and toothpaste non-whitening , mouthwash, or liquid soap.
3. Wet the entire surface of the tooth retainer. Then apply toothpaste, mouthwash, or liquid soap on the retainer.
4. Then brush all parts slowly. You can also mix toothpaste or mouthwash in warm water first, then start scrubbing until there are no more dirt left.
5. If necessary, the retainer can be soaked in water mixed with mouthwash or soap for a few minutes.
6. Finally, rinse all parts of the retainer and make sure there is no toothpaste, mouthwash, or soap left.

If dirt turns out to be difficult to remove, feel free to ask your orthodontist and dentist for help to remove stubborn stains on the retainer.

Permanent retainer

Actually, a permanent retainer can be cleaned at the same time while you brush your teeth. However, if you want to make sure there is no dirt stuck to it, you can apply this method of cleaning the retainer:

1. Take the dental floss or dental floss, then do the flossing by tucking the floss between the retainer and the teeth.
2. Move the floss between the teeth up and down alternately, until they hit the gums.
3. Do the same thing in each area between the braces and teeth, until it reaches all areas.
4. When you're done, rinse your mouth as usual to make sure all the dirt and leftovers have been removed.

Ask your doctor for help if you have doubts about the proper flossing technique.