How to Remove Plaque From Orthodontic Retainers

Orthodontic appliances such as retainers need special care. Because they sit on teeth, gums and palates in the steamy warm environment of your mouth, retainers easily attract and trap bacteria, which in turn form plaque. Plaque left to sit forms tartar and contributes to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Nobody who's made it through braces wants to start eroding or losing teeth. That's why you have to keep your retainer clean, which takes just a few minutes of maintenance once or twice a day.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Electric toothbrush (optional)
• Mouthwash
• Effervescent denture cleaning solution

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush your retainers just like you do your teeth. Plaque gets onto your retainers in exactly the same way it forms on your teeth. The same treatment works on both surface types. Brush your retainer plates gently, but thoroughly, for two to three minutes.

• 2

  Use an electric rotary or sonic toothbrush if you have one. Electric toothbrushes get much higher brushstrokes per minute ratings than manual toothbrushes. As a result, they clean retainers more thoroughly in less time than a manual toothbrush.

• 3

  Soak your retainers in mouthwash for 30 to 60 seconds. Just like mouthwash helps fight plaque on your teeth, it can also help cleanse retainers of invisible bacteria. They'll also smell better and taste minty when you put them back in your mouth.

• 4

  Soak your retainers in a glass of over-the-counter denture cleaning solution every few weeks. Most denture cleaners come in tablets you add to water. The effervescence of denture cleaner helps remove food debris, plaque and tartar. Some dentists recommend this as part of a regular retainer maintenance program.