Should You Floss Before Wearing a Retainer? | ClearClub
Although wearing your retainer is essential to keep your smile healthy, having your teeth clean before putting your retainer back in is equally important. Food particles and plaque can hide between your teeth even after brushing, and putting your retainer over those areas can leave the buildup in place while you wear it.
Okay, but do you really need to floss before putting your retainer in? Flossing your teeth prior to using a retainer allows you to remove any food particles and plaque from the nooks and crannies of your mouth. Let's break down why flossing matters, how to do it properly, and where it fits into your retainer routine.
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What Happens When You Wear a Retainer Without Cleaning Between Your Teeth
Even though you brush your teeth effectively, some of the particles of the food and even the plaque may get stuck between your teeth. According to a review published in The Journal of Clinical Medicine, food that gets stuck between your teeth can cause the formation of plaque and can lead to problems like cavities and inflammation of the gums.
The American Dental Association (ADA) also explains that plaque contains bacteria that can produce acids after you eat or drink sugary foods or beverages. These acids can damage tooth enamel and eventually lead to cavities. If plaque isn't removed, it can also harden into tartar and contribute to gum problems.
When a retainer is placed over teeth that still have food and plaque between them, that buildup stays in place while you wear it. This makes cleaning between your teeth an important part of your retainer routine, especially for those hard-to-reach areas.
How Flossing Supports Better Oral Hygiene With a Retainer
Flossing is an easy thing to add to your retainer routine, particularly where cleaning out the areas between your teeth is concerned. Here are some reasons why flossing will help improve your oral health.
It Reduces Plaque Between Teeth
Flossing allows you to get rid of any food or plaque that may remain in the tiny crevices in between your teeth that brushing will not clean away. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that regular flossing prevents food from accumulating in these hard-to-reach spots.
It Supports Healthier Gums
Flossing can also help keep your gums in better shape. When plaque builds up around the gums, it can lead to gum problems such as bleeding, recession, gingivitis, and periodontitis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent these types of gum problems.
Skipping flossing can also leave food particles and bacteria behind on your retainer. Learn more in 6 Bacteria That Can Grow on Dirty Retainer
It Can Help Prevent Bad Breath
Bad breath can be a sign that your oral or retainer hygiene needs some attention. When food particles and bacteria linger between your teeth or on your retainer, they can contribute to an unpleasant odor. Making flossing part of your daily routine can help keep your mouth cleaner and your breath fresher.
Not great at keeping with brushing or flossing but still planning to sleep with your retainer on? You might want to read this next: Does Sleeping With a Retainer Cause Bad Breath? | ClearClub Tips
How to Floss the Right Way
You already know the basics — brush regularly, keep your retainer clean, stay hydrated, and go easy on sugar or acidic foods and drinks. Now, let's get into the simple steps for flossing properly.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the following technique for cleaning between your teeth:
- Use enough floss to work comfortably: About 18 inches should give you enough length to use a fresh section as you move from tooth to tooth.
- Carefully pass the floss between your teeth: Do not force the floss down against your gums since this may irritate them.
- Floss each tooth individually: Once you get the floss to your gumline, wrap it around your tooth and floss gently with an up and down motion.
- Take care not to miss anything: Move around your entire mouth, even getting in behind those rear teeth.
- Place your retainer back in when you're finished: Make sure your retainer is clean before wearing it.
If you're following a full oral-care routine before putting your retainer in, start by cleaning between your teeth, then brush as usual before inserting your clean retainer.
Keep Your Retainer Routine Clean and Consistent
Now that you know why cleaning between your teeth matters, you can take your retainer care routine a step further. ClearClub's Cleaning + Whitening Foam helps keep your retainer clean and fresh as part of your daily routine. And if you're looking for a comfortable, clear acrylic retainer that's easy to care for, check out ClearClub's Retainer.
Both of the above products are also available with the subscription plan of ClearClub. It helps you stay organized in terms of retainer care and oral hygiene. Ready to make retainer care a little easier? Explore ClearClub's products and find what works best for your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Should you floss before putting in a retainer?
Yes, cleaning between your teeth before putting in your retainer is a good habit. Flossing can help remove food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush may miss.
❓ Does flossing help prevent bad breath when wearing a retainer?
Flossing can help remove food particles and germs between your teeth that could contribute to bad breath. Keeping both your teeth and retainer clean can support better oral hygiene.
❓ How often should I floss when wearing a retainer?
The American Dental Association advises flossing between your teeth at least once a day. When you wear a retainer regularly, daily flossing can be an important part of keeping your teeth and gums clean.
Looking for something else? Check our full FAQ section.