How would you clean an orthodontic retainer after having strep throat?

QM · 05-09-2009, 09:22 AM

I currently have strep throat and started antibiotics yesterday...oh, the pain and misery! I usually use my orthodontic retainer every second or third night to keep my teeth from getting crooked again. I can't really remember when the last time I used it...maybe a week ago...and I'm not sure about a couple things?

a) Would you use the retainer like normal during strep? The problem with not using it frequently enough is that it can get tight when I put it on the teeth. It'll be a huge problem if I can't wedge it on my teeth because I haven't worn it in such a long time.

b) How would you clean it? If it is currently carrying "strep germs", how would you clean the retainer and the container that holds it? Please remember that I can't destroy the retainer with some crazy concoction because I only have one and it costs about $200.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

**savvy_sniper** · 05-09-2009, 09:54 AM

I would suggest you call the doctor and ask. I would not want to risk damaging it.

**savvy_sniper** · 05-09-2009, 09:57 AM

I googled retainer disinfection and found soak in hydrogen peroxide, do NOT boil, and call the doctor.

**YankeeMom** · 05-09-2009, 12:44 PM

It's also recommended that you throw out all toothbrushes in the house (if they are stored together) because strep can live in them

I would do a soak in hydrogen peroxide then wear it after you have been on antibiotics for 24hrs.

**quilting2day2** · 05-09-2009, 02:36 PM

hydrogen peroxide is what I use to clean my mouthguard I have to use for grinding my teeth at night. I always use it after any kind of throat or sinus infection or respitory infection and have not had any problems.
Can you use a denture cleaner on your retainer. that might be better as it is made for dentures and I would think that would work also

**readinglady** · 05-09-2009, 04:49 PM

the dental office I work in tells people to run their dentures thru dishwasher to regularly clean. Also it is wise to periodically run your toothbrush thru the dishwasher. I'm sure alot of folks saw 60Minutes report on germs jumping from toilet to toothbrushes.
Give a call to your orthodontist office and see if this device can be run thru the dishwasher.

**old_lady_in_the_shoe** · 05-09-2009, 09:47 PM

I would suggest mouthwash like listerine, it is mostly alchol and should disinfect great! I have my kids gargle wit hit if they have a sore thtoat and it works great for that too. most mouth washes "kill germs in the mouth". You could just put it in in your retainer box and let it soak for a few minutes. Don't forget to "clean" the retainer box too as well as toothbrushes, etc.

**Neeley** · 05-09-2009, 11:12 PM

I agree with previous posters. For cleaning DD's retainer after she has had any illness we use Listerine sometimes and a denture cleaner other times. Several years ago we bought a product that claimed it was made especially for retainer cleaning. But, it was basically just a denture cleaner.

I've never tried peroxide, but it sounds like something I may have to try next time we need to clean hers up after illness.

**dean** · 05-10-2009, 08:57 AM

When my DS and DD#2 had retainers, we daily soaked them in listerine.

**mombottoo** · 05-17-2009, 11:21 AM

I would soak it in rubbing alcohol overnight and then clean as normal.

**IndigoMom** · 05-17-2009, 07:01 PM

When I had one, I always soaked it in listerine as well.

**Michelle** · 05-17-2009, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by dean

When my DS and DD#2 had retainers, we daily soaked them in listerine.

:yes: but with strep, I agree with the others and would call the orthodontist.

**Michelle** · 05-17-2009, 07:06 PM

PS

soon!

I was in the worst pain when I had strep about 10 yrs ago, so I empathize!

QM · 05-18-2009, 01:36 PM

The orthodontist and DH's 'specialist' dentist both said to use denture cleaner. Earlier this week, I cleaned my retainer, his orthotics and both our cases in a container with denture cleaner. So far, so good.

Thanks for wishing me better health, Michelle! I have to say that next to labour, strep throat is second worse in the pain department. Ear infection is next in line.