Why does my retainer smell?

Question

My retainer smells terrible whenever I take it out. Does anyone know why it smells and how to keep it from smelling other than brushing it regularly. (I brush it 2-4 times a day)

Answer 1

Your retainer smells bad for the same reason you get bad breath: bacteria buildup.

You need to clean your retainer regularly. When you take it out of your mouth, you must AT LEAST rinse it with warm water. Several times per week you should use a retainer cleaning product on it, if not every day.

If you have a wire and metal (Hawley) retainer, you can simply brush it with toothpaste. This is NOT recommended for a clear plastic (Essix) retainer, because it can scratch.

If brushing is too much of a hassle, there are many good products on the market to make it more convenient, such as Sonic Brite or Retainer Brite. You can get these products at places like www.dentakit.com.

If you are already brushing your retainer a few times a day and it still smells bad, then there might be bacteria hidden in the crevices that you are not getting out well with your toothbrush. The retainer cleaning products I mentioned can help with this.

Also, if you brush your teeth at the same time you clean your retainer, you will be putting it back into a clean mouth, which might help as well.

If, after following all these suggestions your retainer still smells bad, talk to your orthodontist about it. Also, make sure that you don't have a medical problem in your mouth, such as thrush (Candida albicans) or periodontal disease. (Just a thought).

Answer 2

With my retainer, I use those things that older people use for their dentures (effervescent cleansing tablets). You can buy them for really cheap at practically any pharmacy/store. You don't even have to do it every day, I generally just do it once a week, sometimes less if my retainer still feels clean. The other nice part about it is that you don't necessarily have to brush your retainer afterward-the tablet thing does it all for you! However, my friend, who also has a retainer, likes to occasionally brush her's over with toothpaste. I suggest brushing it with toothpaste and using the cleansing tablets. =] Also, just as a precaution, if you have one of those invisible Hawley retainers, DO NOT use hot water to rinse/clean it. My friend once used hot water, and she basically melted it to where it no longer fit, forcing her to get another one which cost a bit of money.

Answer 3

Go onto discovery channel and look up Worlds Dirtiest Man with Mike Rowe k

And skip to the end ( last 5-10minutes) and pay close attention.

And that's why your retainer smells except its your mouth and not your body

Answer 4

i always set mine in a cup of mouth wash, disinfects it and it doesnt smell!

Answer 5

Try putting 1/2 cup vinegar into a bowl of warm water and soaking your retainer in it for about 10 - 15 minutes.............natural cleanser.........wonderfull isn't it.............

Cheers...........:)

Answer 6

BACTERIA!!!
YOU NEED TO WASH IT!

Answer 7

it starts smelling for the same reason that you have bad breath when you wake up. little bits of food and saliva can coat the retainer, and after a while, it will begin to grow bacteria, and the food and saliva will begin to rot. that is the bad smell.

theres a few ways to fix that. my personal favorite is to put it in the dishwasher in the silverware tray. thats the best way to clean it. if you can't do that, then you may want to let it sit in an intibacterial solution. make sure you scrub it with a toothbrush, so you dont miss anything.

Answer 8

bacteria. soak it in water with 10% bleach solution. let dry thorough before putting back in mouth.