Episode #53: How To Keep Your Retainers Clean Without Poisoning Yourself
Mar 15, 2022
Explore the hidden dangers lurking in common retainer cleaners, including toxic chemicals like persulfate. Get practical advice on safer alternatives and hear about a DIY cleaning recipe using all-natural ingredients. Discover the crucial role dentists play in screening for oral health issues and how improper cleaning can lead to long-term problems. Plus, learn why it's essential to check in on elderly family members to prevent them from using poorly labeled products. Tune in for great tips that keep your smile safe!
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Functional Dentistry's Growing Impact
Functional dentistry is a growing field focused on root causes like tongue and lip ties affecting facial development and sleep apnea.
Countries like Brazil and Japan lead in adopting functional dentistry laws and training while the U.S. is catching up.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Personal Discovery on Persulfate Harm
Dr. Burhenne noticed many patients using denture cleansers for retainers experienced gum irritation and burning.
This observation led him to investigate toxic reactions related to persulfate in these cleaning products.
insights INSIGHT
Risks of Persulfate in Retainer Cleaners
Persulfate, a strong oxidizer in denture cleaners, effectively cleans but etches acrylic and causes toxic reactions.
FDA received reports including allergic reactions and a death linked to these cleaners but labeling changes were inadequate.
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If you've ever investigated the chemical makeup of your retainer cleaner, you would have been horrified to discover toxic chemicals such as persulfate. Understandably, today's question is from a concerned listener who wants to know if Dr. B has any advice on how to avoid these chemicals. Join us today as we hear about the retainer and denture cleaning products currently on the market, and why Dr. B is so concerned about persulfate. We dive into the role of a functional dentist in not only identifying the side effects from retainer cleaners coming into contact with your mouth but also their role in preventing dental issues later in life. Discover some great tips from Dr. B on retainer cleaning habits, and his very own DIY retainer cleaning recipe containing all-natural and easily accessible ingredients! Lastly, we end off with Dr. B advising a visit to your grandparents to ensure they aren't at risk of ingesting some poorly labeled chemicals. Press "Play" now!Key Points From This Episode:The results Dr. B saw when he Googled “functional dentistry” [0:00:11]Why a tongue-tie specialist should be present at your child’s birth [0:02:08]A dentist’s role in screening for sleep disorders, and the ADA’s updated policies [0:03:49]Keeping your retainers clean without poisoning yourself [0:04:53]Today’s question: What is Dr. B’s retainer cleaning ritual, and what he would recommend [0:06:02]Using denture cleansers for cleaning retainers, and why Dr. B stopped selling them [0:06:21]What the FDA did when persulfate was identified as being an irritant [0:10:45]How persulfate works to clean retainers, and how it’s taken up by your retainer [0:12:29]Dr. B’s thoughts on why people mistake denture cleaners for other products [0:14:55]What to look for to detect retainer or denture cleanser poisoning [0:16:01]Why you need to clean your retainer [0:19:29]The alternative denture and retainer cleaners that Dr. B recommends, and his routine [0:21:32]Another instance where similar packaging resulted in healthcare problems [0:27:40]Why you want a natural biofilm disruptor in your cleanser [0:28:42]The DIY approach and why Dr. B favors it [0:29:43]A wrap-up of today’s episode, and why you should check on your grandparents’ denture cleansing habits [0:31:47]How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:How to Clean Retainers [No Harsh Chemicals Required]ADA-Approved Denture Cleanser: Why do they contain this disturbing ingredient?DIY Retainer Cleaner (for Hawley, Metal, & Invisalign)Assorted Articles from Ask the Dentist on DIY ProductsAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter Check Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!! Check out Dr. B's website for more information: https://askthedentist.com Subscribe to Dr. B's newsletter Mondays with Mark: https://askthedentist.com/newsletter
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