Dental appliances such as retainers, clear aligners, nightguards (splints) and mouthguards spend a lot of time in your mouth, so keeping them clean is important. Without regular cleaning, plaque, bacteria, food debris and odours can build up on their surfaces.

After removing your appliance, rinse it with cool water to remove saliva and loose debris. Using a separate soft toothbrush and a foaming antibacterial hand soap, gently brush all surfaces of the appliance. I find that using a foaming soap works particularly well because it rinses away easily. Do not use hot or boiling water, as heat can distort some materials and affect the way the appliance fits.

It is also important to be careful about what you use to clean your appliance. Regular toothpaste can be abrasive and may scratch some clear appliances, creating a rougher surface where plaque and staining can accumulate more easily. A  foaming antibacterial hand soap or a cleaning product specifically designed for dental appliances may be recommended instead.

Retainer or denture-cleaning tablets can also be useful for some appliances. These can help remove build-up and keep the appliance fresh; however, always follow the product instructions and the advice of your dental clinician, as not every cleaning product is suitable for every type of appliance.

When you’re not wearing your appliance

When your appliance is not being worn, store it safely in its protective case rather than wrapping it in a tissue or leaving it exposed. This helps protect it from damage, contamination and the very common problem of accidentally throwing it away. Keep your appliance well out of reach of pets, as dogs and other animals may be attracted to the smell of saliva and can easily chew or damage retainers and mouthguards. Clean the storage case regularly as well.

Never use bleach, harsh household cleaners or boiling water to clean a dental appliance.

If your appliance develops persistent staining, calculus build-up, an unpleasant smell, cracks or no longer fits properly, bring it to your next dental appointment. Your dental clinician can assess the appliance and advise whether it needs professional cleaning, adjustment or replacement.

Keeping your dental appliance clean and storing it safely helps protect both the appliance and your oral health.

Natasha, our oral health therapist wrote this post. To make an appointment with Natasha, or any of our other hygienists or dentists, you can phone our reception staff. Or visit our on line booking site.