Quick Answer
Yes, it is recommended to brush your teeth before putting in your retainer. Brushing removes food debris and plaque that can get trapped under the retainer, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. It also helps keep your retainer clean and free of bacteria.
Why You Should Brush Before Putting In Your Retainer
There are a few key reasons why it is important to brush your teeth before inserting your retainer:
Removes Food Debris
Brushing your teeth before putting in your retainer helps remove any leftover food particles, debris, or sugars from your teeth and gums. Food and plaque can get trapped under your retainer as it fits snugly over your teeth. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and can lead to tooth decay, staining, and oral hygiene issues. Brushing sweeps away any debris and keeps your teeth clean before they are covered by the retainer.
Removes Plaque Buildup
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If not removed by brushing, plaque turns into tartar that adheres firmly to teeth. Retainers cover the teeth and make it easier for plaque to build up if teeth are not brushed beforehand. Brushing twice a day is recommended, especially before inserting retainers, to disrupt plaque and prevent tartar formation.
Prevents Bad Breath
Brushing your teeth before putting on your retainer helps freshen your breath. Food debris and bacterial buildup from plaque are common causes of bad breath. Brushing removes these odor-causing particles from the mouth, preventing any bad odors from becoming trapped under the retainer.
Keeps Your Retainer Clean
Retainers are designed to tightly fit your teeth. Any food particles, plaque or bacteria on your teeth before inserting the retainer can transfer to the appliance. Over time, these can build up on the retainer, leading to staining, odors and diminished effectiveness. Brushing your teeth cleans the surface so the retainer only contacts clean teeth. This helps keep your retainer free of debris.
Prevents Gum Disease
Lack of proper oral hygiene is the primary cause of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Plaque that is not removed by thorough brushing hardens into tartar that inflames the gums, causing them to become tender, swollen and more prone to bleeding. Retainers can exacerbate this effect by causing additional irritation and trapping bacteria against the gums if teeth are not brushed before insertion.
How Long to Wait After Brushing Before Putting In Retainers
It is generally recommended to wait at least 20-30 minutes after brushing your teeth before inserting your retainers. Here’s why:
Allows Fluoride to Work
Most toothpaste contains fluoride, an important mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It needs time to bind to your teeth and be absorbed after brushing. Putting retainers in too soon can wipe some of the fluoride away before it has time to take effect. Waiting 30 minutes allows the fluoride to set, keeping your teeth strong.
Avoids Micro-Abrasions
Vigorous brushing can cause tiny abrasions on the surface of your teeth. Though microscopic, these micro-abrasions make teeth more vulnerable to bacteria and decay. Putting in retainers too soon after brushing can transfer bacteria into these openings. Waiting gives your saliva time to naturally remineralize and repair the tooth surface.
Allows Teeth to Settle
Brushing exerts pressure on teeth, which can shift them slightly in their sockets. This can affect how well your retainer fits. Waiting 20-30 minutes gives teeth a chance to settle back into place for a more accurate, comfortable fit when you put in your retainer.
Tips for Proper Brushing Before Retainers
Follow these tips to make sure you brush effectively before inserting your retainer:
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Choose a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles. Medium or hard bristles can be abrasive to your teeth and gums. Soft bristles are gentle enough for safe, effective plaque removal.
Brush For 2 Minutes
Spending at least 2 full minutes brushing allows you to thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth, especially areas that are prone to plaque buildup around braces and retainers. Set a timer if needed.
Focus on Gum Lines
Use gentle circular motions to brush along the gum line and under the edges of your braces. These areas are difficult to reach with a retainer in place, so take time to clean them well beforehand.
Brush Attachments Too
Carefully brush any dental attachments that are part of your retainer using a soft brush or orthodontic brush. This removes bacteria and debris that can be transferred to your teeth.
Don’t Rinse With Water
Skip rinsing your mouth after brushing. Let the fluoride toothpaste foam sit on your teeth to strengthen enamel before putting in your retainer.
Can You Put Retainers In Without Brushing?
It’s generally not recommended to put retainers in without brushing your teeth first. Here’s why you should avoid it:
Traps More Bacteria and Plaque
Without brushing first, plaque and bacteria buildup on your teeth doesn’t get removed. The retainer then presses all this debris firmly against your teeth for hours, allowing more bacterial growth.
Increases Risk of Decay
The bacteria trapped under your retainer after skipping brushing can lead to more rapid tooth decay under and around the appliance. Areas covered by the retainer are at higher risk.
Can Cause Bad Breath
Food particles and odor-causing bacteria trapped under your unbrushed retainer are more likely to cause bad breath. This can be exacerbated by dry mouth from retainer use.
May Stain Retainer Faster
Without brushing, plaque and stains have more of a chance to adhere to the retainer surface and become ingrained. This can require more frequent cleaning or replacement.
Can Irritate Gums
An unbrushed retainer may rub and cause friction against bacteria and food debris against the gums. This can increase irritation, swelling and discomfort.
How to Clean Retainers Without Brushing Teeth
In a pinch, if you need to clean your retainer but don’t have time to brush first, you can:
– Rinse retainer under cool water to remove some debris
– Soak retainer in denture cleaner according to package instructions
– Use retainer cleaning tablets to disinfect
– Swish diluted mouthwash inside retainer to kill some bacteria
– Store retainer in air tight case until you can brush
However, these methods are not as effective as brushing your teeth properly before inserting your retainer for the best oral hygiene. Brushing should not be skipped whenever possible.
Proper Oral Hygiene Routine With Retainers
Here are some tips for optimal oral care while wearing removable retainers:
Brush Teeth and Retainer Twice Per Day
Brush thoroughly before putting retainers in both morning and night. This includes brushing the retainer itself before inserting.
Floss Underneath Retainer
Use floss to clean between teeth underneath the edges of the retainer. Advance the floss carefully to avoid dislodging the retainer.
Rinse With Water After Eating
Swish water after meals to help dislodge food debris before reinserting your retainer.
Soak Retainer Weekly
Soak your retainer weekly in denture cleaner or a mild cleanser. Avoid toothpaste, as this can scratch the appliance over time.
Avoid Staining Foods/Drinks
Limit tea, coffee, berries, tomato sauce and other staining foods. Rinse your mouth after consuming them.
Don’t Sleep With Retainer In
Remove retainers at night to give your teeth a chance to breathe while sleeping.
Key Takeaways
– Brush your teeth well before putting in retainers to remove plaque and food debris. Wait 20-30 minutes after brushing for your mouth to settle before inserting retainers.
– Skipping brushing can trap more bacteria under retainers, increasing the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and other oral health issues.
– Occasionally clean retainers without brushing first by rinsing, soaking in cleanser, or using tablets. But make brushing a priority for best results.
– Stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine while wearing retainers, including brushing twice daily, flossing, rinsing after meals, and regular retainer cleaning.
Conclusion
Properly brushing your teeth before inserting your retainer is important for maintaining good oral health. Brushing removes plaque, food particles and bacteria that can get trapped under the retainer and lead to tooth decay, gum disease and other problems if left in place. Allow around 20-30 minutes after brushing before putting in retainers to let your mouth settle and give time for the fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel. While occasional cleaning can be done without brushing first, make brushing a habit both morning and night to keep your smile healthy and your retainer free of debris. With a consistent brushing routine and proper oral hygiene, your retainers can help your smile stay beautiful.