How to Remove Bubble Gum From a Retainer

After a patient's braces are removed, a retainer is typically worn. The retainer holds the teeth in place while the patient's mouth gets used to not having the braces. The amount of time someone wears a retainer depends on the person. The retainers are removed when eating, but need to be worn the rest of the time. Orthodontists recommend not chewing gum while wearing retainers. The gum sticks to the retainer, moving it and potentially causing damage.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag
• Peanut butter

Instructions

Freezer

1. Push a plastic bag onto the gum.

2. Put the retainer and bag in the freezer for two hours.

3. Check to see the gum is frozen. If it is, remove it and pull off the plastic bag. If it's not frozen yet, stick it back in the freezer.

Peanut Butter

1. Spread peanut butter over the gum.

2. Let it sit for five minutes.

3. Clean off the peanut butter. Peanuts contain an oil that removes gum.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not chew gum while wearing retainers.

References

• How to remove gum from a shoe
• Gum, sticky stuff and other helpful household hints on dealing with disasters
• Braces, Invisalign, Invisible Braces, and Clear Braces Information