Retainers, night guards, and mouthguards sit in direct contact with teeth and saliva — they accumulate bacteria, plaque, and calcium deposits rapidly. Poor cleaning leads to bacterial growth that you then place directly in your mouth, and unremoved calcium causes the appliance to become cloudy and develop an unpleasant smell.
Daily Cleaning
- Remove the retainer or guard and immediately rinse with cool water — never hot water, which warps plastic and acrylic appliances
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush (kept separate from your regular toothbrush) to gently brush all surfaces
- Rinse again thoroughly
- Store in the provided case — always dry or with a small amount of water depending on the appliance type (ask your dentist; some acrylic appliances need to stay moist to prevent cracking)
Weekly Deep Clean
- Soak in a denture cleaning tablet dissolved in cool water for 15–20 minutes — this removes bacterial build-up and lightens staining
- Brush gently after soaking to remove loosened deposits
- Rinse thoroughly before wearing
Removing Calcium Deposits
White mineral deposits on the appliance are calcium from saliva:
- Soak in a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes
- Brush gently with a soft brush to remove softened deposits
- Rinse thoroughly — vinegar residue has an unpleasant taste
What to Avoid
- Never use toothpaste — it is abrasive and scratches the surface, creating grooves where bacteria harbour
- Never use mouthwash as a soaking solution — the alcohol degrades the plastic over time
- Never use hot water or put in the dishwasher — the heat warps the appliance
- Never use bleach — it degrades the material and leaves a residue that irritates the mouth