Taking proper care of your dentures can help them last longer, while also preserving the health of your gums and minimizing unnecessary mouth irritation. In this article, we discuss how to clean dentures effectively.
How to Clean Dentures
If you do not thoroughly clean your dentures every day, plaque will accumulate on them in the same way it does on your natural teeth. Bacteria that proliferate in food residue and plaque can contribute to gum irritation and inflammation, especially if your dentures already rub your gums. Additionally, chronic gum inflammation caused by bacteria can lead to gum disease and potentially impact the health of the jawbone.
Properly cleaning dentures can also help ensure they maintain their original appearance for longer and prevent them from becoming warped or damaged. Below, we outline key tips for effective denture cleaning.
Soak Your Dentures in a Special Cleaning Solution
Soak your dentures overnight in a special solution to help them stay clean. Soaking your dentures will help prevent them from drying out and losing their original shape. Ask your dentist to recommend the most suitable soaking solution for your particular dentures.
Additionally, you can soak your dentures for several minutes in a solution specifically designed for cleaning dentures, and then clean them with a brush in the evening.
We also advise using your denture manufacturer’s guide on how to clean and store your dentures to avoid damaging them by using the wrong products.
Clean Your Dentures with a Brush
Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your dentures twice a day, just as you would your natural teeth. You can use an unscented soap or a special non-abrasive denture cleaner.
Rinse Your Dentures After Meals
To prevent bacteria and plaque from accumulating on your dentures, rinse them with lukewarm water after every meal.
Additionally, if you eat or drink any staining foods and beverages, brush your dentures immediately after the meal, if possible. Staining foods and beverages can cause your dentures to become discolored, resulting in a loss of their initial whiteness. Staining products include:
- Berries and fruit juices
- Soda with artificial dye
- Beetroot and carrots
- Curry and other brightly colored spices
- Red wine, black tea, coffee, etc.
Do Not Forget to Clean Your Mouth Too
Even though you may not have any natural teeth, it does not mean you don’t need to clean your mouth. The best practice is to clean your mouth (gums, cheeks, tongue) with a soft brush or a clean piece of gauze and toothpaste twice a day. You should also rinse your mouth after meals before putting your clean dentures back in. Additionally, be careful to remove all the denture adhesive if you use it in the evening.
Avoid Harmful Products
Products such as whitening toothpaste or solutions containing abrasive ingredients should not be used for cleaning your dentures. These products can create minor scratches on the surface of the dentures or damage the material they are made of. As a result, your dentures might become stained or discolored.
If your dentures require a deep cleaning, schedule an appointment with your dentist, who can clean them professionally and safely.
Do Not Use Hot Water for Cleaning Your Dentures
Hot water can damage and warp the material from which your dentures are made, causing them to fit uncomfortably or even become impossible to wear. Always use lukewarm water to clean or soak your dentures.
Clean Your Dentures Over a Bowl Filled with Water
When you clean your dentures, there is always a risk of accidentally dropping and breaking them, as they are wet and slippery. We recommend always cleaning your dentures over a bowl filled with lukewarm water, which will prevent the dentures from falling on the hard surface of the sink.
Keep the Denture Container Clean
If you use a container to store your dentures, clean it with soap and water daily to remove bacteria, saliva, and food particles. Also, always rinse your dentures before putting them into the container, and then rinse them again before putting them back in your mouth.
Get Your New Dentures at TruGlo Modern Dental
Sign up for an appointment with a reliable dentist at TruGlo Modern Dental today to acquire a new set of comfortable dentures. The modern tools and techniques we use allow us to provide our patients with long-lasting and well-fitting dentures that help improve their nutrition, general health, and quality of daily life. Our specialists look forward to your visit to our dental office.