How to Clean Dental Retainers & Why: The Importance of Cleaning Them Regularly
If you’ve had braces, palate expanders, or other orthodontic treatments, or if you grind your teeth, your orthodontist may recommend wearing retainers at night. Because retainers sit in your mouth for hours at a time, they’re constantly exposed to saliva, food particles, and bacteria. Without proper care, this can lead to buildup, odors, staining, and even oral health issues. That’s why regular cleaning can be just as important as brushing your teeth.
How Often Should You Clean Your Retainers?
You should clean your retainers every day. A light rinse and gentle brushing help prevent bacteria and residue from building up. Additionally, aim for a weekly deep clean using a solution or cleaning tablet to keep them fresh and clear. Daily care prevents buildup, while weekly care keeps long-term odors and stains from forming.
Can You Use Toothpaste to Clean Your Permanent Retainers?
Yes. Unlike with plastic retainers, permanent retainers are usually made of metal and bonded to the back of your teeth. Since they’re in your mouth at all times, you can brush them just as you would your teeth. A thorough brushing with toothpaste removes plaque, food particles, and bacteria before they can cause damage.
Just as a baking soda paste can clean your plastic retainers, baking soda toothpaste can work wonders on your permanent retainer. Try baking soda-based toothpastes like Arm & Hammer™ Complete Care Whole Mouth Protection Toothpaste for gum care and gentle teeth whitening, or Arm & Hammer™ Advance White™ Toothpaste on your teeth and permanent retainer.
How to Brush Your Retainer with a Toothbrush
- WET your retainer with water after you take it off so any loose particles or residual food buildup wash off away.
- PLACE toothpaste on your toothbrush and gently brush the interior and exterior of the retainers (you can also do the same for the case).
- WASH the toothpaste off the retainers with water. Pat dry with a towel or paper towel and let the retainers air dry completely before putting them in a closed case so bacteria does not grow.
Can You Clean Your Plastic Retainers with Toothpaste?
It is not recommended to use toothpaste on a plastic retainer because it contains ingredients that can be abrasive on the plastic (which could ultimately dull the retainers and then cause them to break down or lose their shape).
However, you can use your toothbrush to clean your retainers and retainer case.
How to Clean Plastic Retainers
There are multiple solutions you can use to clean your plastic retainers so they maintain their shape and integrity.
- Mild soap
- A solution made from equal parts white vinegar and water
- A solution made from one tablespoon of Arm & Hammer™ baking soda and one cup of water
- A denture-cleaning tablet dissolved in water
Avoid using warm water, which can warp the plastic and ruin the fit.
Why Cleaning Your Retainers Is Worth the Effort
Both plastic and permanent retainers need regular care to stay clean, clear, and effective. Plastic retainers sit directly against your teeth for hours at a time, which means food particles and bacteria can get trapped and increase the risk of cavities. A steady cleaning routine—using mild soap, a baking soda or vinegar solution, or denture-cleaning tablets—helps prevent buildup while keeping your retainers in top shape.
Permanent retainers, on the other hand, are fixed in place and can make it easier for plaque and bacteria to gather around your teeth. Daily brushing with a baking soda-based toothpaste from Arm & Hammer™ not only keeps the retainer fresh but also protects your enamel and helps lower cavity risk, all while keeping your smile bright.
