Can you eat with a retainer?

It’s not always advisable to eat with a retainer. As a matter of fact, your retainer should be worn every time except when you are eating or drinking.

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The retainer holds the teeth in place, preventing them from shifting out of position.

If you eat or drink while wearing your retainer, food can become trapped underneath it, which is potentially harmful if not removed quickly. “If I’m doing something that might irritate my mouth, like drinking pop or eating popcorn, I don’t wear my retainer,” says Ms. Vickers, “but I always wear it during the day and at night.”

Hence, it’s best to remove your retainers before eating or drinking.

What if I eat with my retainer on?

If you eat or drink with your retainer on, food can get trapped under it, and/or the retainer itself may become misshapen.

Do not wear retainers while eating or drinking. This is very important for people who have removable retainers. If you are wearing a removable retainer, do not take it out to eat. Instead, remove any food from your teeth and retainer, then brush your teeth well.

You’re not to wear it when you eat or drink because if a piece of food gets lodged underneath the retainer, bacteria will breed there and make a home. You could also damage the retainers by grinding on them–just as you could break a tooth if you chew on it.

What are retainers for?

Retainers help keep teeth in their proper positions after braces have been removed or when teeth have been orthodontically repositioned surgically. They are worn all the time except during eating, brushing, and sports.

Why do I have to take my retainer out before eating?

Taking your removable retainer out beforehand is a good way to maintain its effectiveness. If you wear them while chewing food, the retainers can lose their shape and become ineffective as braces or for post-treatment support.

If the retainers are worn during regular daily activities, this will prevent the retainers from being damaged.

What if I forgot to take out my retainer before I ate?

If you forget to remove your retainer before eating or drinking, thoroughly rinse it with water and put it back in place after the meal. If it is only slightly deformed, you can usually correct it or consult your dentist.

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