Clean dentures do not happen by accident. Dentures are not natural teeth and you care for them differently than you would your natural teeth. Natural teeth must be brushed with toothpaste and flossed. Dentures, on the other hand, don’t need to be cleaned the same way. Dentures can, and should, be removed from the mouth each and every night. Removing the dentures before bed allows one’s mouth tissues a chance to breathe and rest. This creates the best atmosphere for healthy tissues. In addition to allowing the mouth to rest, removing the denture each night provides a great opportunity for routine cleaning of the denture.
What Are Dentures?
Before discussing the best way to clean dentures, let’s examine their purpose. If you’re considering denture cleaning, you may already be familiar with them. Dentures are prosthetic replacements. They help replace missing teeth and gums. Dentures help protect against poor oral health and tooth decay.
Clean Dentures Daily
Cleaning your dentures daily can prolong their life. Food particles and bacteria easily build up on dentures. Gently scrubbing them with a soft toothbrush can prevent buildup and stains. A soft bristle toothbrush will keep dentures in better shape and prevent scratches from hard bristles. Use gentle pressure, paying special attention to the grooves. Like teeth, bacteria and food particles nestle in hard-to-reach places.
Many dentists recommend cleaning dentures once or twice daily. Most people brush them in the morning and at night. It’s important to clean them after a nighttime soak. Cleaning them after soaking helps rinse the cleaning solution so you don’t ingest it.
Carefully Remove Dentures After Eating
It’s essential to remove your dentures after eating a meal or snack. While cleaning is not always an option, giving your dentures a good rinse is helpful. Rinsing will loosen food after eating. Place a towel or paper towel over the sink to protect the dentures if they slip. You can also take this opportunity to rinse your mouth. Use a soft toothbrush or gauze on your natural teeth. If you don’t have a toothbrush with you, you can use mouthwash or warm water.
Clean Dentures Do Not Involve Toothpaste
Dentures do not need to be brushed with toothpaste. Toothpaste is abrasive. That abrasivity is needed to remove plaque and tartar from natural teeth. Denture teeth are made out of materials that should be smoother and collect less plaque. Abrasive toothpaste can actually accelerate the wearing down of the denture.
The best way to clean dentures is to scrub the dentures with a toothbrush and some mild antibacterial soap. The mouth is filled with different types of bacteria. These bacteria can collect on the denture. To clean, we recommend filling a clean sink with a little bit of water. This will help in the event that the denture is accidentally dropped. The water in the sink will cushion the impact so nothing breaks. Afterwards, scrub the denture with warm water and antibacterial hand soap. Be sure to scrub both the inside and outside of the denture. After a good cleaning, rinse all of the water and soap from the denture.
Clean Dentures With A Denture Cleaning Solution
At this point, you may place the denture in a denture cleaning solution or water overnight. If you choose a cleaning solution, there are a variety available over the counter at various drug stores. We are happy to recommend denture-cleaning solutions. It is important the dentures be placed in a cleaning solution or water so that they remain wet. When a denture dries out, it can warp. A warped denture will not fit correctly.
The next morning, just rinse off both dentures and feel confident that you are placing a clean denture back into your mouth. A clean set of teeth—that should make you smile!
Use A Gentle Cleaning Solution
Some dentures need more than a warm water soak. A gentle cleaning solution can eliminate bacteria buildup and keep your mouth healthy. It’s also important to rinse well after soaking, as even gentle cleaning solutions can irritate your mouth. While not all dentures need an overnight soak, keeping them moist will help retain their shape.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Dentures are sturdy dental prosthetics. However, warping and damage are possible with harmful chemicals. Bleach and whitening products will harm the structure and color of the denture. Some people think they must use bleach or whitening products to remove stains. These products will weaken the structure and harm your mouth. It’s best to stick with a gentle over-the-counter solution. Rinse the dentures well before placing them back in your mouth.
It’s also important to avoid hot water as this will warp the shape of your dentures.
Prolonging the Lifespan Of Your Dentures
We understand that cleaning your dentures is not easy. It takes time and causes inconvenience. The truth is, taking care of your dentures can protect your mouth and your wallet. Neglecting your dentures can cause bacteria buildup, infections, or bad breath. You should remove your dentures at bedtime and place them in warm water or a cleaning solution. Sleeping with dentures can also lead to infections and unpleasant breath. With careful attention, your dentures will last a long time.
