Dental retainers serve a role in maintaining tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment, preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions. While retainers themselves are not inherently harmful to teeth, they can inadvertently create an environment that increases the risk of tooth decay if not managed properly. Understanding this relationship helps anyone wearing a retainer.
How Retainers Affect Oral Health
Retainers can influence oral health by altering the natural cleansing processes within the mouth. Both fixed (bonded) and removable retainers can trap food particles and dental plaque against tooth surfaces. This accumulation allows bacteria to produce acids, which then demineralize tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. The presence of a retainer can also reduce the natural flow of saliva over tooth surfaces, especially in areas covered by the appliance.
Saliva plays a role in washing away food debris and neutralizing acids, acting as a natural buffer. When a retainer covers a portion of the tooth surface, it can limit saliva’s access to those areas, thereby reducing its protective effects. This creates a more acidic environment, making the teeth more vulnerable to decay. Furthermore, an ill-fitting or damaged retainer can create additional spaces where food and plaque can accumulate, making cleaning challenging. Such conditions promote bacterial growth and increase the likelihood of enamel erosion.
Essential Retainer Care
Proper cleaning of your retainer prevents the conditions that lead to tooth decay. For removable retainers, cleaning should occur after every meal and before bedtime. Use a soft-bristled brush and mild dish soap or a non-abrasive retainer cleaner to gently scrub all surfaces of the appliance. Avoid using abrasive toothpastes, as these can scratch the retainer, creating microscopic grooves where bacteria can harbor and making the retainer appear cloudy.
Rinse your removable retainer thoroughly with cool water after cleaning and before placing it back in your mouth. Never use hot water, as it can warp the plastic of the retainer, compromising its fit and effectiveness. For fixed retainers, daily cleaning involves brushing the appliance itself along with your teeth. Your orthodontist may recommend specific interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean underneath the wire and around the bonding points.
Maintaining Dental Health with Retainers
Beyond cleaning the retainer, maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay while undergoing retention therapy. Diligent brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and strengthen enamel. Flossing daily is also necessary, particularly around fixed retainers where food and plaque can easily get trapped beneath the wire. Specialized floss or water flossers can be helpful for navigating around these fixed appliances.
Dietary choices also play a role in preventing decay. Limiting sugary snacks and acidic beverages, which fuel acid-producing bacteria, helps protect tooth enamel. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are important, allowing your dentist to monitor your oral health, address any signs of demineralization, and remove hardened plaque. Be aware of signs like white spots on your teeth, increased sensitivity, or persistent bad breath, which might indicate early decay or gum irritation, and consult your dentist or orthodontist if these symptoms appear.