Can mouthwash affect my dental retainers?

No: You shouldn't be soaking your retainers in mouthwash. Retainers should be cleaned according to your dentist's instructions. If you are rinsing with mouthwash with your retainers in your mouth, it shouldn't be a problem.

No: Commercially available dental rinses are safe and will not damage your retainers. But you should always clean your retainers extra-orally (out of your mouth) at least twice a day - when you brush your teeth (morning and night).

No: However there are better products for making retainers smell fresh. Ask your pharmacist.

No: Ask your orthodontist what he/she recommends you use to keep them clean. A common recommendation is soaking them in a denture cleaner when not wearing them.

No, but why?: There are better ways to clean and store retainers when they are not being worn (and look for reasons to wear them, not excuses to take them out). Ask your orthodontic specialist for specific retainer care instructions, and follow the "rules" exactly.