How to clean your holders

Brushing and flossing your teeth is hard enough without a third step.

For those who also need to worry about their retainers, there are a few easy hacks to keep them shiny and clean — just like those pearly whites.

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Essix holders, also known as invisible holdersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

How do I clean my holder?

There are some easy ways to do it: cleaning a holder.

One way to clean your retainer is to rinse it with lukewarm water and brush it gently with dish soap, according to woMD.

Baking soda, vinegar, or denture cleaners can also be possible cleaning methods.

From Central Coast Orthodontics: “Normally, the ‘bad guys’ that cause problems in the mouth thrive in a more acidic environment, and baking soda combats this problem by neutralizing the pH of the mouth and rebalancing the oral microbiome. Similarly, baking soda can also help containers disinfect through thanks to the higher pH.”

However, any hack will depend on the type of retainer in question – so it’s always advisable to check with your orthodontist before diving in.

What should I avoid using on holders?

There are some important things to avoid when trying: clean holders:

  • Boiling water or other heat – like forgetting them in a hot car or putting them in the dishwasher – can cause them to deform
  • mouthwash
  • UV light disinfectants
  • Bleach, alcohol and other harsh chemicals

How often should I clean my holder?

Retainer users should aim to clean their hardware at least once a day.

A thorough cleaning should be done once a week to ensure that any bacteria in your container are disinfected.

Brushing and flossing your teeth is hard enough without a third step to consider - like cleaning a retainer

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Brushing and flossing your teeth is hard enough without a third step to consider – like cleaning a retainerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Killing harmful bacteria can eliminate the bad taste of the retainers and the foul smell of the mouth, as well as prevent a film layer on the retainers or the appearance of a cloudy appearance.

How can I maintain my holders?

In addition to cleaning your retainers, it’s important to keep them in shape and not compromise them, as they can be expensive to replace.

Here are a few tips to remember:

  • Always carry your holder with you and keep it clean
  • Always wash your hands before and after handling your retainer
  • Always brush or rinse your mouth after eating or drinking and before putting the container back on
  • Keep your holder away from heat or direct light
  • Keep your holder away from animals or small children