Care for retainers and mouth guards: an overview for professionals
![Woman holding retainer and smiling](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_HK/prodent/BN-Polident-Woman%20with%20retainer-USA.jpg?auto=format)
Patient knowledge gaps in care of mouth guards & retainers
Mouth guards & retainers require specialist care to remove biofilms every day & prevent any implications for oral health. The range of materials used to form guards & retainers may become scratched if not cleaned appropriately, which can result in increased bacterial colonization.1
Many patients who wear a mouth guard or retainer do not have a regular approach to cleaning their appliances.2
Common cleaning methods for cleaning retainers or aligners in the US include:3
- 41% of patients use toothbrush and toothpaste
- 40% use toothbrush and water
- 33% use denture cleanser tablets
- 19% soak or rinse in water
- 16% soak or rinse in mouthwash
Patient concerns include odour associated with their mouth guard or retainer and staining.4
Your advice to your patients can help them achieve a clean and fresh mouth guard or retainer for confidence.
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The science of cleansers
Find out more about the science of the Polident cleansers for removable appliances
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