If you've ever had nightmares of teeth falling out, you're probably familiar with how daunting gum disease seems. Experienced by more than 45% of UK adults, this condition not only affects tooth health but triggers sharp pain and bleeding too, according to SmileCare.
Now, one dentist has issued a shock warning about the disease, claiming that one very overlooked mistake may worsen your chances of getting it. Dr Andrej Bozic, oral surgeon at Dentum, suggested it sometimes comes down to how clean your oral products are - especially retainers and Invisalign trays.
"Brushing your retainers or clear aligners with a hard toothbrush can create tiny scratches on the surface," he said. "These grooves can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, which can then transfer to your gums and lead to infections, inflammation and eventually gum disease."
Dr Bozic warned that bacterial build-up can often go unnoticed, even though it worsens over time. And even if you clean your teeth thoroughly twice everyday, this will still take its toll.
He went on: "Keeping your retainers clean is just as important as brushing your teeth. A little extra care goes a long way in protecting your gums and your overall oral health."
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How should you clean your retainer?Instead of a toothbrush, Dr Bozic urges the public to use soaking solutions instead. Here are the steps he recommends:
Soak in cleaning solution
"Use a retainer cleaning solution or denture cleaner to soak your aligners daily," he said. These are specifically designed to remove bacteria without damaging the material.
Rinse with lukewarm water
He added: "Rinsing your retainers under lukewarm water after every meal helps to wash away food particles and bacteria." Despite this, it's important to avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic.
Use a soft brush for tough spots
A gentle soft-bristled brush without toothpaste can be used for tough spots inside aligners. "Toothpaste can be too abrasive for retainers, so it’s important to use something gentler."
Avoid using mouthwash
Dr Bozic warned that the alcohol in mouthwash can damage the plastic and make cleaning less effective.
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