Why Does My Retainer Make Me Salivate So Much?
If you’ve realized that you are salivating more than usual once you’ve worn your retainer, rest assured that you are not the only one experiencing this issue. A new retainer feels odd initially, and this feeling of strangeness causes excessive production of saliva. Although this is quite irritating, particularly since you are wearing your retainer regularly, it’s simply a normal adaptation process.
This article will give you an explanation of why the use of your retainer causes increased salivation, how to deal with this situation, and when your retainer should be examined or replaced.
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Why Does a Retainer Cause Excess Saliva?
Saliva is very vital to ensure that your mouth remains healthy and comfortable. However, some stimuli from your mouth can interfere with the production of saliva. In cases where you place a new device like a retainer in your mouth, the stimulus can cause saliva production.
So, why does a retainer make you drool so much? Here are a few reasons:
Your Retainer May Stimulate Your Salivary Reflex
The mouth is very sensitive to new experiences. Studies have indicated that the physical stimulation within the mouth can activate salivary reflex leading to increased salivation. Given the fact that a retainer is another experience that will be introduced into your mouth, it can make you salivate during the first few days.
Extra Saliva Helps Keep the Mouth Comfortable
Saliva does more than simply keep your mouth wet. It helps lubricate your oral tissues, making it easier to swallow, speak, and move your tongue comfortably. This is one reason saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth comfortable while you adjust to having an appliance in your mouth.
Your Mouth Needs Time to Get Used to the Retainer
An increase in saliva is quite common after the initial introduction of an oral appliance. It has been reported by the Cleveland Clinic that excess salivation can be experienced as a temporary side effect during adjustment period for use of an oral appliance.
How to Manage Excess Saliva While Wearing a Retainer
We know how annoying it can be when your retainer makes you drool more than usual, especially when you're trying to wear it consistently every day. Here are a few tips that may help you manage the extra saliva and make the adjustment period more comfortable.
- Give your mouth time to adapt — Most people find that they feel more comfortable after one week, even though some need several weeks to adapt to wearing a retainer.
- Follow your wearing instructions — You should wear your retainer according to your dentist’s or orthodontist’s instructions to make sure you adapt well.
- Take care of it — Buildup and bad odors or tastes can make wearing a retainer less comfortable.
- Make sure that it fits well — It may be difficult to wear a bulky, loose, or tight retainer.
Could Your Retainer Be Causing Discomfort?
Saliva production tends to be an adjustment response when the retainer is worn for the first time. However, if the retainer is still not comfortable even after some adjustment period, then it will be good to have a look at the retainer. An old retainer that is in bad shape will pose difficulties when wearing it.
Not sure whether your retainer has reached the end of its life? Check out our guide, 5 Signs Your Retainer Needs to Be Replaced (Before It’s Too Late), to learn what to look for.
Looking for a More Comfortable Retainer?
Too much saliva can be annoying, but realizing that your retainer may be contributing to the discomfort can make it even more frustrating. If you're looking for a replacement that may feel more comfortable to wear, try ClearClub's Retainers. They are crafted perfectly according to your own teeth impressions and have a thinness of 1mm.
So that your retainer stays new and works well, you could even opt for our subscription service and get your replacements in the months of your choice. Experience ClearClub today!
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why does my retainer make me salivate so much?
A retainer can make you produce more saliva because your mouth may react to the new physical sensation of having an appliance inside it. This is often more noticeable when you first start wearing a retainer.
❓ Is it normal to drool more when wearing a retainer?
Yes. Saliva production may increase during the adaptation period to an oral appliance. For many people, the extra saliva becomes less noticeable as they get used to wearing their retainer.
❓ Can a bad-fitting retainer cause excessive saliva?
If the retainer is uncomfortable, it can become more difficult to adapt to wearing the device. If your retainer feels bulky, loose, tight, or causes discomfort, you may need to have the fit checked and adjusted or replaced.
Looking for something else? Check our full FAQ section.