How To Effectively Clean Dentures
Dentures are not real teeth. So you don’t have to worry about cleaning them, right?
Wrong!
Denture care is important. Dentures can become bacteria-laden just like real teeth. And they can also become stained and lose their natural appearance over time. Food can become stuck in between dentures.
You must make oral hygiene a priority, whether you have full dentures or partial dentures.
Here are 5 steps you can take to properly clean your dentures.
Taking proper care of your dentures is relatively easy and can go a long way in maintaining a natural look and comfortable feel for years to come.
A 2016 study outlined the three most important factors when it comes to cleaning your dentures: cleaning should remove plaque and stains, cleaning products should not cause damage, and the cleaning should be antimicrobial.
Here is how you can accomplish just that!
- Brush your dentures daily. Removing and gently cleaning your dentures at least once per day is important. After you remove them, use a soft-bristled denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser to remove food and plaque. Be sure to gently brush the grooves that fit against your gums, too. Do not brush the dentures while they are in your mouth.
As a note, do not use regular toothpaste when brushing dentures. Toothpaste is abrasive and can damage dentures over time.
- Rinse dentures before putting them in your mouth. After you brush your dentures, rinse them thoroughly. Denture cleansing solutions contain harmful chemicals that can cause pain to gums, or worse, vomiting
- Soak dentures overnight. Dentures must stay moist to retain their shape. If they do not retain their shape, they may not fit your mouth. Place the dentures in a denture-soaking solution overnight. A denture-soaking solution can help sanitize your dentures. There are plenty of at-home soaking recipes that you can find online. Check with your dental provider before tying any.
- Rinse your dentures after eating. This might seem like an unnecessary step, but it is important. You should do your best to rinse your dentures after every meal. Just rinse them under cold or warm running water to remove food debris. After a quick rinse, reinsert them and go about your day.
- Schedule regular visits with your dentist. Talk with your dentist about regular visits. A dentist can clean your dentures just as with regular teeth. But they can also ensure that your dentures fit properly and help prevent discomfort. Dentists will also be able to check your mouth to ensure your gums are healthy.
Follow these 5 steps to keep your dentures clean and your mouth comfortable and healthy.
Failing to care for your dentures can result in a number of problems.
It is important to care for your dentures for a reason. As with natural teeth, a variety of problems can develop if you do not properly clean your dentures. Poorly kept dentures can impact your oral health, and even cause general health problems.
Failing to clean your dentures can result in:
- Gum swelling and general irritation
- Denture stomatitis, an inflammatory reaction related to wearing dentures built up with bacteria
- Bad breath
- Altered food taste
- Increased risk of pneumonia
Cleaning your dentures can keep your mouth healthy and maintain that white, natural smile. Follow the steps above to properly clean your dentures.
