How to Keep Your Retainer from Smelling Bad

Retainers are important devices used for keeping your teeth aligned after braces; however, one has to clean them often, as they can easily turn out to be smelly and become breeding grounds for bacteria. Nothing can ruin your confidence quicker than an odorous retainer, and if you are also facing this issue, we are going to get you out of this mess. With a good retainer cleaning routine and keeping in line with a few simple tricks, you will not have to worry about the unpleasant smell anymore.

Here is your complete guide to keeping a clean retainer and stopping bad smells before they start.

Why do Retainers Start to Smell?

Bad odor in the retainer happens for the same reason bad breath does: the bacteria. Your retainer collects food particles, plaque, and germs from your mouth when you wear it. If you are not keeping your retainers clean and taking care of them regularly, this buildup leads to a musty or sour smell over time.

Reasons for Retainer Odor

Here are a few common reasons behind the bad odor of your retainers:

• Not cleaning the retainer daily
• Storing it without proper drying
• Wearing it after eating without brushing
• Using harsh products that damage the material

What Should Be the Retainer Cleaning Routine

If you are wearing a retainer, developing a daily and weekly retainer cleaning habit is the first step that will also increase the lifespan of your retainer. A clean retainer feels better, smells better, and helps you avoid unwanted bacteria buildup. Here’s a simple but effective routine to keep things fresh:

Rinse your retainer

The first important step in cleaning your retainer is to rinse it with lukewarm water. This helps wash away saliva, any debris, and germs before they dry up and stick.

Brush gently

Brush your retainer gently using a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive soap. Avoid using toothpaste because it is too abrasive and can scratch the material over time.

Deep cleaning

Deep clean your retainer once or twice a week using the best cleaner for retainers, like the one offered by ALIGNERCO, or a homemade solution.

4. Rinse Thoroughly

Always rinse thoroughly with fresh water after cleaning to remove any leftover cleaning solution and let it air dry in a clean case.

How to Prevent Bad Odor

If the retainers are not properly cared for, they can get a bit smelly. But the good news is, there are a few simple habits that can help keep them fresh and clean every day.

Brush and Floss

It is necessary to brush and floss your teeth and your mouth before wearing your retainer. This will help in removing the food particles and plaque that can transfer to your retainer and cause unpleasant odors.

Avoid Eating With Retainer

Avoid eating or drinking while wearing your retainer because food particles can get trapped between the retainer and your teeth, creating a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. These bacteria can even cause infections in the mouth.

Store Your Retainer Properly

Always keep your retainer in a clean and ventilated case when you are not using it because proper airflow helps in preventing moisture buildup, which will ultimately prevent bacterial growth. Also, don't wrap your retainer in tissue paper or throw it inside your bag because this can make your retainer dirty or damage it. You can even misplace it like this.

Skip Sugary Drinks

Don’t drink sodas, juices, or any sugary beverages with your retainer in, because the sugars present in these drinks can stick to the retainer’s surface and feed odor-causing bacteria. Instead, stick to plain water if you need to sip something while wearing it.

Retainer Hygiene Tips

Wearing retainers is an essential step in keeping your smile perfect, but taking care of them is as important as wearing them. Given below are some of the retainer hygiene tips. These tips will help you in preventing bad odor in retainers.

Clean it When You Brush Your Teeth

Clean it at the same time as your teeth to stay consistent. This helps make it a habit and keeps your routine consistent.

Swap Your Retainer Case

Replace the case regularly. Your case collects dust, bacteria, and even mold over time. Cleaning or replacing it often ensures your freshly cleaned retainer doesn’t go right back into a dirty environment.

Avoid Hot Water or Harsh Chemicals

Don't put your retainer in boiling water or bleach. These can warp the plastic and damage its structure, making it uncomfortable or even unsafe to wear.

Retainer Cleaning Easier Than Ever

The retainer plays a significant part in keeping your beautiful smile in place, but it can only do its job well if it is clean and odorless. Your retainer requires constant care and attention, just like your teeth. By establishing a simple daily routine, avoiding harmful intakes such as sugary drinks, and being careful about the storage of your retainer, you can keep it fresh, comfortable, and durable. Remember, an odorous retainer is not just a slight inconvenience but rather an indication that bacteria are building up, which can affect your oral health. All it takes is just a few minutes of your time each day to keep odor from developing and, subsequently, your retainer and mouth in good condition.