Dropped retainer in toilet | 3 Way to Disinfect It

Well, that is an unfortunate event. A dental emergency can arise in many different situations, and it’s important to know what you should do before this happens! 

Well, It sounds like you accidentally dropped the retainer in the toilet, and now it’s stuck there! 

The first thing that pops up in mind is trying to flush it away with water (maybe), but if we don’t want your teeth stained brown for life, let me give you some other options.

So… let’s know if your retainer fell in the toilet- then what to do next.. how to retrieve it… Do you use it after this…

What do you do if your retainer falls in the toilet?

If your retainer falls in the toilet, there are a few things you can do; Like- you should try to find and fish it out with a metal hanger. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a magnet or a metal rod. 

It might still work even if you wash it with running water but first try the dry method. If that fails, you should consult a professional.

How to Retrieve Retainer from The toilet

There are a few ways to retrieve a retainer from the toilet. 

One way is to use a metal hanger for fishing it out. Another way is to use a magnet on a stick. 

You might also experiment with a plunger or a wire coat hanger.

If you are lazy, there’s another way to recover your retainer without involving tools: use an enzyme-based cleaner.

Yes, enzyme-based cleaners are designed to remove organic stains and odors. So it stands to reason that an enzyme cleaner would also be able to de-attach your retainer from the inside of a toilet.

It’s not as quick as using metal tools or magnets, but it’s a lot easier.

Assuming that the enzyme cleaner is the right type of cleaning product for this job, here are some specific instructions to follow:

1. Pour some cleaner into the toilet bowl. A good amount would be between 3/4 of a cup and one full cup.

2. Allow the cleaner to sit for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is preferable if you’re in a hurry.

3. Flush the toilet, and then use a plunger to apply pressure to the water in the bowl. This helps enhance the effects of the enzyme cleaner.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 if needed, but you should only have to do it once or twice at most.

You should be conscious of a few additional things regarding toilet cleaning in general.

· Avoid using harsh, acidic, or abrasive materials. These will cause your porcelain surfaces to wear down over time. This includes chlorine bleach, vinegar, and other cleaning products.

· If you use vinegar, then dilute it with water before applying it. Vinegar is acidic and could damage your toilet if it’s too strong.

Read More- Bleach in the toilet. 

If a retainer gets lost by the trash can, don’t fret! Flushing a retainer down the toilet is not an effective way to get rid of it. 

Try using a magnet, such as the ones found on many key chains, and place it near the pipe in your toilet. Retainers have a lot of iron, so they should easily stick to the magnet.

If you drop your retainer in the sink, try pouring hydrogen peroxide into the drain. The bubbling that occurs should help to pull your retainer down the drain toward the drain plug. 

You may want to try this with the garbage disposal, too. If that doesn’t help, call your local plumber for more advice.

How to Clean a retainer that fell in the toilet

If your retainer falls in the toilet, don’t panic! Follow these easy steps to get it clean and back in your mouth:

1. Remove as much water and waste as possible from the retainer with a paper towel.

2. Soak the retainer in a bowl of denture cleaner or household bleach for 30 minutes.

3. Rinse the retainer with warm water and dry it with a paper towel.

4. Put the retainer back in your mouth and give it good chewing to ensure it’s clean and sanitized.

Sanitizing the retainer after dropping is most important.

How to disinfect plastic retainer dropped in toilet

If your retainer drops into the toilet, don’t panic! There are a few ways to disinfect a plastic retainer dropped in the toilet. 

disinfect a dropped retainer in toilet

1. Soak the retainer in a bowl of white vinegar for about 30 minutes. 

2. Boil a pot of water and then pour it over the retainer, use a denture cleaner, or soak it in a diluted bleach solution. Make sure to rinse it off thoroughly afterward. 

If your retainers are made of clear plastic, you may have put them in your mouth when they were too hot. This can warp the plastic, making them uncomfortable to wear. 

You can temporarily repair this by dipping them in ice water while they’re still worn in your mouth. If your retainers are only slightly deformed and still wearable, this may help ease the discomfort.

3. The third way is to soak the retainer in mouthwash for about 10 minutes. After soaking, just rinse it off with cold water and let it dry.

Contact your orthodontist for a permanent solution.

Read More- How to remove Denture stuck in the toilet.

Wrap Up on Dropped Retainer in Toilet

I’ll be honest, I’ve never dropped my retainer into the toilet before. But if that ever happens to me, I’m glad to know this article is here for me! 

However, not all hope is lost- there are ways you can clean your retainer without having to spend money on a new one or buying expensive cleaners. 

If it’s possible and practical for you (i.e., in an office setting where dropping your retainer down the drain could cause major problems), flush it with cool water from the sink until it’s completely clear of any debris. 

The next step would be soaking your retainer in warm salt water overnight. You may need to do this process twice, depending on how dirty your retainer was when you found out.

Q1. Does a retainer have water damage?

Water damage is the most common damage that a retainer can receive. 

Most retainers tend to be packaged in sealed plastic bags during manufacturing. This means that if the retainer is not cleaned at home before being put on, it can pick up any dirt and debris it comes into contact with (this often includes water). 

This is especially true for retainers that are worn to bed at night. If there is water damage, the retainer may become warped and lose its shape. 
A sign that your retainer has water damage is if it has brownish to yellowish stains all over it. If this is the issue, we suggest buying a new retainer.

Q2. I dropped my retainer on the floor.

I was so embarrassed when I dropped my retainer on the floor. I had just gotten it back from the dentist, and I was so excited to wear it again. But as soon as I put it in my mouth, I dropped it on the floor. I was so clumsy.
If you drop your retainer on the floor, you should first find it. If you can’t find it, you should contact your orthodontist and ask for a new one.

Q3. How to sanitize retainer after dropping

Dropping your retainer can lead to a slew of issues, including bacteria accumulation, foul breath, and even cavities. 

To avoid these issues, disinfect your retainer after each drop. Here’s how it works:
1. To begin, remove your retainer from your mouth and rinse it with cool water.
2. Next, fill a cup or dish halfway with a denture cleanser and immerse your retainer in it for about 10 minutes.
3. Finally, rinse your retainer with cold water and air dry it.

Remember to soak your retainer every day to remove plaque and bacteria buildup. Getting a dental checkup is important for keeping your teeth healthy. 

But it is up to you to keep them in good condition after you leave the dentist’s office. After all, you only get one set of teeth in your lifetime.

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