Why Your Retainers Smell And How To Deep Clean Them

Some people think retainers are just a pain, something to be worn for a year and then forgotten about. But they’re wrong! Retainers are an important part of dental care, and they play a crucial role in preventing teeth from moving back to their original positions. 

However, if you’ve been wearing your retainers as prescribed, you may have noticed they start to smell after a while. This is because bacteria and plaque can build up on the retainer, and when combined with saliva, it creates an unpleasant odor. Luckily, there are ways to deep clean your retainers and remove the bacteria that cause the smell.. Find out how to properly clean retainers and how often this should be done.

Why Your Retainers Smell

While you may believe that your mouth is exclusively home to your teeth, the truth is that your mouth is full of germs that occur naturally in the environment. As a byproduct of its growth, bacteria produce gas as a waste product. This adds to both the fragrance that comes from your retainer as well as the stench in your mouth. 

In addition, germs have a role in the formation of plaque and tartar on your teeth and retainer, both of which can be caused by improper oral hygiene. If plaque is allowed to build up on the retainer, it will eventually emit a pungent odor if this condition is allowed to persist. It’s not something you want to put in your mouth, that’s for sure.

Bacteria

As a byproduct of its growth, bacteria produce gas as a waste product. This adds to the odor that comes from your retainer and the stench in your mouth. In addition, germs have a role in forming plaque and tartar on your teeth and retainer, both of which can be caused by improper oral hygiene. If plaque is allowed to build up on the retainer, it will eventually emit a pungent odor if this condition is allowed to persist. It’s not something you want to put in your mouth, that’s for sure. The good news is that you may help limit the danger of buildup and avoid the smell by performing routine maintenance.

Poor Dental Hygiene

You can find over 700 distinct varieties of bacteria naturally in the mouth, and it is easy for these bacteria to build up while you are sleeping at night. If you don’t practice good dental hygiene, these particles may start to rot and produce gasses with a putrid odor, which will cause your retainer to have an offensive odor. This is not only inconvenient, but it also increases your likelihood of developing oral health problems such as gum disease and cavities. If your retainer has a musty odor, you should get a new one so that your smile stays clean and healthy.

Read More: How to Get Your Teeth Demineralized After Braces