Tips On How To Clean Your Retainer!

 Do you wear a retainer? Do you clean it every day? Many people who wear retainers do not clean them every day... GROSS! To put it into perspective, having a dirty retainer is like not brushing your teeth. 

Below are some ways to clean your retainer:

• Water for cleaning on the go - Although water will not disinfect a retainer it will help prevent bacteria from growing while it is out of the mouth.
• Toothpaste - After you are finished brushing your teeth, gently brush your retainer. 
• Denture Cleaner - Soak in denture cleaner for about 20 minutes. After it's removed from the solution gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 
• Baking Soda - Mix water and baking soda together to create a paste. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. * it also whitens discolored retainers*
• Vinegar - Soak for 20 min in equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Rinse then soak for another 20 minutes in cold water.

Homemade Denture Cleaner

Tired of constantly buying denture cleaner? I know I get tired of buying it for my retainers.

Now you will no longer have to buy denture cleaner after I give you a few simple homemade cleaner recipes I have found made from household products.

•  Bleach-based soak:
• Directions for Making: 
• 1 part bleach mixed with 10 parts of water.
• Best to make when ready to use.
• Directions for use:
• Soak for only 3-10 minutes. **Do not soak overnight**
• Rinse dentures off with cool water before placing them back into the mouth.
• Vinegar-based soak:
• Directions for making:
• Soaking duration mixtures:
• 10-minute soaking: Full strength vinegar.
•  30 minute soaking: 1 part vinegar to 1 part water.
• 8 hours soaking: 1 part vinegar to 9 part water.
• Directions for use:
• After soaking, brush the denture to help remove stubborn mineral deposits.
• Rinse the denture with cold water and place them back into the mouth.
• Sodium Bicarbonate soak:
• Directions for making:
• 1 Tsp of baking soda dissolved in 8 oz of water.
• Directions for use:
• Soak for 30 minutes.
• Rinse and place back into the mouth.

*Note: If you are not placing your dentures back into your mouth after you have soaked them, they should be immersed in clean water.

Remember to always discuss your plan with your dentist before trying something new!