The Dog Ate My Retainer: How Americans Are Failing Their Removable Dental Devices And How They Can Break Their Bad Habits

TARRYTOWN, N.Y., May 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to caring for removable dental devices, just about every person who wears one has a horror story to share.  According to a recent national survey conducted by new Fresh Guard™ by Efferdent™, two out of three (67 percent) people who wear retainers, mouthguards, clear braces or other removable braces admit to oral care disasters.

Some of the most common – and cringe-worthy – include: accidentally tossing their device in the trash (one in three users), dropping it on the floor and popping it back into their mouth without cleaning (about one in four users), and catching a pet chewing or licking the device (about one in six users).

Here's the scariest part: until now, options for getting these devices completely clean after a mishap were limited. And while everyone knows they should thoroughly clean their braces after the dog chews it or after their retainer falls in the garbage, the survey found that most wearers don't know if they're cleaning their devices effectively – even on a regular basis.

New Fresh Guard™ by Efferdent™ is specially formulated to clean removable dental devices like retainers, mouthguards, clear braces and other removable braces.  Available as a soak and as a wipe, New Fresh Guard™ by Efferdent™ has a unique formula that helps prevent the build-up of sticky mouth film, reduces yellowing and helps remove stains. Fresh Guard™ Soak uses power-cleaning crystals to kill 99.9 percent of odor-causing bacteria in just five minutes. With no water needed, alcohol-free Fresh Guard™ Wipes are ideal for on-the-go cleaning – perfect for after meals – and leave behind a fresh mint flavor.

A Fresh Approach to Oral Care

Fresh Guard™ by Efferdent™ also helps removable dental device wearers with some of the not-so-obvious ways they are failing their devices. Until now, the most popular method of cleaning such devices has been to use a toothbrush and toothpaste, with nearly two out of three (62 percent) wearers doing so. Other cleaning methods include rinsing or soaking in water (44 percent), rinsing or soaking in mouthwash (38 percent), brushing with water only (27 percent) and using denture cleaner (19 percent).

Most current cleaning methods simply aren't designed to clean the unique materials removable dental devices are made of. Brushing may cause scratches and leave behind crevices where bacteria can grow, while mouthwash and denture cleaners are not fully effective in getting rid of the mouth film that collects. Not only are people not getting their devices completely clean with these methods – they may also be damaging them in the process.

While 41 percent of consumers say they are always or almost always confident about getting their dental devices completely clean, nearly all – a whopping 94 percent – don't know if what they are doing freshens the device, removes plaque or kills odor-causing bacteria. New Fresh Guard™ by Efferdent™ offers a way to safely and effectively clean removable dental devices without the scratching, dulling and left-behind bacteria that other methods may cause.

Even dental professionals recognize the need for a new product to clean oral appliances.  In a separate survey of dentists and dental hygienists, three out of four (75 percent) said that there is a need for a new product specifically formulated to better clean removable dental devices, with the vast majority – 95 percent – saying they would consider recommending it.

"Nearly 44 million people in the U.S. wear removable dental devices, and it's crucial to get them as clean as possible as part of good oral health," said Craig Rudner, Senior Brand Innovation Manager on Fresh Guard™ by Efferdent™. "New Fresh Guard™ by Efferdent™ is completely different, with proprietary technology specifically designed to better clean retainers, mouthguards and clear braces. It takes the guess work out of cleaning these devices, providing a complete clean you can see, feel and smell."

New Fresh Guard™ by Efferdent™ is available now at select retailers, and will be available at drug, grocery, mass and other retailers nationwide beginning April 2014. For more information, visit freshguardclean.com.

About the Surveys
The online consumer survey was conducted among a sample of 1,000 women between the ages of 18-49, including those who wear removable dental devices (50 percent) and those with a child who wears a removable dental device (50 percent).  The professional survey was conducted online among a sample of 250 dental professionals, including dentists and hygienists.

About Fresh Guard™ Efferdent™
Fresh Guard™ Efferdent™ products are specially designed to clean retainers, mouthguards, clear braces and other removable braces. They deliver a complete clean you can see, smell and feel without causing damage to the unique materials these devices are made of.

About Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.
Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. markets and distributes brand name over-the-counter and household cleaning products throughout the U.S., Canada, and certain international markets. Core brands include Chloraseptic® sore throat treatments, Clear Eyes® eye care products, Compound W® wart treatments, The Doctor's® NightGuard® dental protector, the Little Remedies® and PediaCare® lines of pediatric over-the-counter products, Efferdent® denture care products, Luden's® throat drops, Dramamine® motion sickness treatment, BC® and Goody's® pain relievers, Beano® gas prevention, Debrox® earwax remover, and Gaviscon® antacid.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140520/89710

SOURCE Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.