Can you use mouthwash to clean a retainer?

Alcohol-based mouthwash dries out the plastic and can cause cracking. Use alcohol-free mouthwash or the vinegar method instead.

Why does my retainer smell bad?

Bacteria and plaque buildup. You're not cleaning it often enough or thoroughly enough. Do a vinegar soak immediately.

Some orthodontists recommend them. They're safe and effective. Use once a week as a deep clean.

Clear plastic retainers: 1-3 years. Hawley (wire) retainers: 5-10 years. Replace when they crack, warp, or no longer fit snugly.

Personal Care

Clean retainer aren't just about hygiene -- they perform better too. Here's the quick and proper way to clean yours.

1
Rinse immediately after removal
Rinse the retainer under lukewarm water as soon as you take it out. Dried saliva and plaque are much harder to remove.
2
Brush gently with soap
Use a soft toothbrush with a tiny drop of dish soap to gently brush the entire retainer. Avoid toothpaste.
3
Deep clean weekly
Soak in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water for 20 minutes. Or dissolve baking soda in water and soak.
4
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse under lukewarm water before putting it back in your mouth. Ensure no soap or cleaning residue remains.

TIPNever use hot water on a retainer. Heat warps the plastic and changes the fit, which can shift your teeth.
TIPAvoid toothpaste, which is abrasive and scratches the retainer surface, creating grooves where bacteria hide.
TIPKeep the retainer moist when not in your mouth. Dry retainers crack and become a breeding ground for bacteria.

XUsing hot water, which warps the retainer shape and ruins the custom fit.
XBrushing with toothpaste, which scratches the surface and creates bacterial hiding spots.
XWrapping the retainer in a napkin, which leads to it being thrown away accidentally (the #1 way retainers are lost).

Rinse every time you remove it. Brush with soap daily. Deep clean with vinegar or baking soda weekly.