What Is the Black Stuff on My Retainer? The Gross Truth You Need to Know
What causes black stuff to appear on your retainer?
It’s probably mold, bacteria… or both
Let’s not sugarcoat it—if you’re seeing black spots or discoloration on your retainer, it’s usually mold or hardened bacteria buildup. Yup, that’s right. You’ve basically got a mini science experiment going on in your mouthguard case.
Retainers live in a warm, moist environment (your mouth), and if you’re not cleaning them properly or regularly, bacteria and fungus can thrive. That black gunk? Could be Aspergillus mold, or just dried saliva, plaque, and food particles that have started to decay and stain the plastic.
Kinda gross, but super common. Especially if you're one of those people (like I was) who just rinses with water and calls it a day. Don’t worry, I’ve learned my lesson—more on that later.
Is it dangerous to wear a retainer with black stuff on it?
Short answer: yeah, it can be
We’re not talking about instant death or anything dramatic, but wearing a dirty retainer can absolutely mess with your oral health. You’re introducing bacteria and potentially mold right back into your mouth, which can lead to:
Bad breath (like, really bad)
Gum irritation or infections
Tooth decay around where the retainer sits
Fungal infections like oral thrush (especially if you’re immunocompromised)
A friend of mine actually developed bleeding gums and didn’t know why—turns out, she was wearing a crusty retainer every night. She cleaned it once a week, tops. Yikes.
How to properly clean a retainer (so the black stuff never comes back)
Daily cleaning routine
Rinse right after removing it from your mouth—don’t let the saliva dry.
Use a soft toothbrush (not the one you use for your teeth) and gently scrub with warm water. Avoid toothpaste—it's abrasive and can scratch the plastic.
Dry it completely before storing it. Leaving it wet in a closed container = mold party.
Weekly deep cleaning
Soak it in a mix of water and white vinegar (50/50) for 15–30 minutes. Rinse and brush gently after.
Or use retainer cleaning tablets (like Retainer Brite or Steraligner). Easy and smells fresh.
Please, please don’t boil it. Or microwave it. That’s not “deep clean,” that’s retainer murder.
When should you replace your retainer?
Black stains that won't go away? Time to say goodbye
If you’ve tried cleaning it and that black stuff is still clinging on—it might be time for a new retainer. Especially if it smells bad, feels rough, or the plastic looks cloudy and worn. A typical retainer lasts about 1–2 years, depending on use and care.
And no, super glue is not an acceptable fix for a cracked retainer. I wish I didn’t have to say that, but I’ve seen people try it (spoiler: it ended badly).
Final thoughts: that black stuff is a warning sign
Bottom line? The black stuff on your retainer is a red flag that it’s dirty—and potentially unsafe. Whether it’s mold, bacteria, or just years of neglect, it needs to be handled. Clean it daily, soak it weekly, and replace it when it starts acting sus.
Because let’s be real: you did all that orthodontic work to get straight teeth. Don’t let a funky retainer mess it up.
How much height should a boy have to look attractive?
Well, fellas, worry no more, because a new study has revealed 5ft 8in is the ideal height for a man. Dating app Badoo has revealed the most right-swiped heights based on their users aged 18 to 30.
Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.