Cleaning germs from fixed orthondic piece.

August 9, 2007 4:29 PM

How do I clean the germs between an expansion-retainer and my palate?

I'm currently "wearing" an orthodontic piece. It's a hard plastic, like a retainer (example) but it has the springs of an expansion piece. It's stuck in place and I can't remove it.
Obviously it's getting really germy and it seems to be affecting my breath.
What's the best way to clean it?

Anonymous because it's gross.

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

Water-pik is what I used when I had something similar. And lots of swishing with listerine, etc.
posted by bunnycup at 4:45 PM on August 9, 2007

mouthwash?
posted by remthewanderer at 4:45 PM on August 9, 2007

Yeah, a lot of Listerine, and a small brush that you can angle in there (they have little denture brushes that look kinda like pipe cleaners).
posted by tristeza at 4:52 PM on August 9, 2007

My dentist recommends hydrogen peroxide to get rid of small organic debris where the toothbrush can't reach. He even gave me a small curved syringe to spray around the wisdom teeth.

Ask your chemist, maybe your dentist, and make sure you get hydrogen peroxide that is safe for oral usage.
posted by stereo at 5:53 PM on August 9, 2007

I've had hydrogen peroxide recommended to me as well as a water pick.
posted by rhapsodie at 6:28 PM on August 9, 2007

Leave it in a cup of Listerine for a period of time, rinse. Possibly repeat. And clean with a brush.
posted by djgh at 8:28 PM on August 9, 2007

Djgh, the poster said he/she can't take it out.
posted by IndigoRain at 11:04 PM on August 9, 2007