Orthodontic Retainers a Pool of Infection if Not Cleaned Properly

Studies conducted by scientists at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute and reported in the Letters of the Society of Applied Microbiology journal show that orthodontic retainers may pose a major risk for infections if not cleansed properly.

Dr. Jonathan Pratten and fellow scientists studied closely these orthodontic retainers.

The result showed that pathogenic microbes are active on at least on half of all the orthodontic devices.

Scientists concluded that it is more than necessary to produce more efficient cleaning products for orthodontic retainers.

The study involved collecting samples from the oral cavity of people who wear orthodontic devices and who don’t.

The incidence of pathogenic microbe transmission is very high, since orthodontic devices are often removed and replaced back in the mouth.

Some of the bacteria that reside in our oral cavity are good for dental health, but most of them are a risk for infections. What researchers were looking for, were the microbes that normally do not reside in the oral cavity.

The study found that both Candida and Staphylococcus microorganisms could be found in 60% of the patients. These bacteria generally resided on the tongue and interior cheek of the patient, and on the surface of the orthodontic retainers as well.

Both of the bacteria represent a huge health risk for people with a weak immune system. The bacteria live in what is called a biofilm, which is an aggregate of microorganisms where the cells are actually glued to each other. Once these biofilms are formed, the microbes get stronger and antimicrobials may be ineffective.

It is advisable that anyone wearing an orthodontic retainer pays very close attention to proper oral hygiene practices:

• Thoroughly wash your hands before and after removing/replacing orthodontic retainer
• Brush your teeth vigorously at least 2 times per day in order to avoid the risk bacteria multiplication/ transmission.